Longtime Galesburg Nurse Sherry Jo Corcoran Dies at 68

Corcoran spent 26 years caring for residents at Rosewood Care Center

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Sherry Jo Corcoran, a 68-year-old licensed practical nurse who devoted her career to caring for others at Rosewood Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on February 1, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

Why it matters

Corcoran's passing marks the loss of a dedicated healthcare worker who spent over a quarter-century providing compassionate care to the elderly residents of Galesburg. Her life and career highlight the important role nurses play in supporting their local communities.

The details

Corcoran graduated from Carl Sandburg College of Nursing and worked at Rosewood Care Center for the last 26 years of her life. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength in caring for those around her. Outside of work, Corcoran enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, crafting, painting, writing poetry, and cheering on the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

  • Corcoran passed away on February 1, 2026 at the age of 68.
  • She was born on March 2, 1957 in Macomb, Illinois.
  • Corcoran married Jonnie R. Ulm on January 12, 1974, Charles A. 'Tony' Branham on October 31, 1991 (who preceded her in death on December 3, 2008), and Robert E. Corcoran on July 24, 2010.

The players

Sherry Jo Corcoran

A 68-year-old licensed practical nurse who worked at Rosewood Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois for 26 years, known for her compassionate care and kindness.

Rosewood Care Center

The long-term care facility in Galesburg, Illinois where Corcoran spent the majority of her nursing career.

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The takeaway

Corcoran's life and career exemplify the vital role nurses play in supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities. Her decades of dedicated service at Rosewood Care Center touched the lives of countless elderly residents in Galesburg.