Sheri Pastian: A Star for Women’s History Month

Larada Horner-Miller

1 year ago

Sheri Pastian stands out as a strong woman in my life, and I want to feature her to start off Women’s History Month. Since 2023, I have featured strong women I know personally in March. I started this tradition three years ago and gladly continue it this year.

Background

Sheri was a successful businesswoman here in Albuquerque with her family bakery, Pastian’s Bakery. She managed the office when her parents were alive, but after their deaths, she not only managed the office but spearheaded the whole bakery—two full-time jobs. Sheri kept the bakery successful her whole time she was associated with it. She has since sold it and is happily retired now.

On a personal note, when Lin and I got married in 2011, Sheri stood up with us as one of my bride’s maids. Pastian’s Bakery made our gorgeous wedding cake!

Our Wedding Party – Sheri on the end on right side

Sheri & My History With Her

Sheri and I have danced together at the Albuquerque Square Dance Center for nearly thirty years. It fascinates me how our lives wove together after dancing together. In reality, you don’t really get to know someone on the dance floor. It’s the volunteer commitments we shared where we became fast friends.

Dance-A-Rama 2003

In 2001, I chaired the Dance-A-Rama 2003 committee. Single Square Dancers USA sponsored this major festival annually, and I had attended a couple of DARs. When we put the committee together for our event, the original four—Kathi Raver, Wanda Faulkner, Cecelia Pounds and I—spearheaded the operation, but we needed more help.

So, I asked Sheri and her dance partner, John, to do Publicity. They did a fantastic job, selling ads in a program book from local businesses. Sheri also provided bisochitos for our Hospitality Room in the shape of the New Mexico state. The dancers loved them (long-time readers: I’ve mentioned Pastian’s Bakeries’ bisochitos in my Christmas blog a couple years ago). Also, Sheri helped promote the event by attending local dances. I so enjoyed having her on the committee.

The Astronaut Farmer

In 2005 the Albuquerque/Santa Fe square dancers were asked to perform in The Astronaut Farmer. The night we practiced with the stars, Sheri danced with Billy Bob Thorton and became his dance partner for the filming. We had lots of fun teasing Sheri about her claim to fame. See pictures above.

Albuquerque Square Dance Center (ASDC) Board

Sheri and I have worked together on the ASDC board that runs the building for about fifteen years total. Sheri has been the treasurer as I was the president and Contracts’ Person while on the board.

Right now, Sheri’s the treasurer and I’m the Contracts’ Person, and we work closely together. She has been a true joy to work with, reminding me of tasks I need to do or supporting me in my ideas shared at meetings.

We have a shared dedication to the building and its success and work hard to keep things running smoothly.

Sheri, The Broncos’ Fan

Sheri and I are both fanatical Denver Broncos’ fans. During football season, whether Sunday, Monday or Thursday nights, I text Sheri a little before the game, “Are you ready for some football?” Then, we text back forth throughout the game. We’ve done this tradition during winning seasons and losing. Sometimes the game gets so complicated texting doesn’t work, so we call and figure it out together! Sheri makes a Broncos’ game a delight for me!

Dancing With the Stars

Sheri and I both have been avid Dancing with the Stars fans for years. In March 2018, we had the opportunity to see the traveling show. Before the big event, we went to dinner, anticipating the big night. Then someone took our picture at the banner at Popejoy Theater.

We sat high up in the theater, but we knew all the professional dancers and the current stars traveling with the show. In fact, we helped people sitting behind us with their names. What a celebratory night we had!

Heart and Soul of Our Square Dance World

Sheri is the heart and soul of square dancing in Albuquerque. She takes care of everyone. Someone went into the hospital last week—she checked on him and made sure he was okay. That’s just one of many thoughtful gestures she’s done for our dancers.

Sheri’s identified position on the ASDC board is treasurer, but she helps each of us with our tasks and no one is offended by it. She sees the big picture, the tasks involved to keep our building running smoothly and she has no fear gently reminding us.

When I think of Sheri, I hear her infectious giggle and am reminded of her open heart that touched my life so deeply. She’s a co-worker, a friend, and mostly a friend!