When Kristina Sherrett looks at her children, Eian and Natalie, she sees more than the next generation. She sees the continuation of a family legacy.
Her children are fifth-generation members of Catholic United Financial. Like a healthy tree whose roots deepen with every season, the family’s commitment to financial protection and faith-based community has grown across generations, providing constant strength, stability and care.
“Our policies support those who are left behind when our loved ones depart from this world,” says Kristina. “Just like with my grandma passing on annuities to us, I see that as a huge act of love. She could have used that money to go on vacation or buy nice new things for herself, but she chose to invest in her family’s future so we would feel cared for even without her.”
The roots of the Scherber family’s story reach back to 1938, when Susan Scherber, Kristina’s great-grandmother, became a member and purchased policies for her six sons. One son, Jerome Scherber, and his wife, Arlene, purchased policies for their six children, continuing the tradition.
Those children eventually did the same for their families. Kristina’s father and his siblings purchased policies for their children. Today, Kristina and her husband, Jason, have policies for their children.
On her mother’s side, the story is remarkably similar. Kristina’s great-grandfather, Cyril Tholkes, became a member in 1937 and purchased policies for his children.
That tradition continued, creating another five-generation family tree rooted in the same values.
For Kristina’s mother, Lynette, those policies represented something more meaningful than a financial product.
“Our godparents actually bought us a policy when we were little,” Lynette says. “It was a blessing. Rather than giving us miscellaneous gifts, they protected our future.”
As life changed, the family adjusted and expanded those policies. Children grew up, attended college, married and had children. Yet the underlying purpose remained the same: caring for the next generation.
“When they got married, I said, ‘Here’s your policies,’” Lynette recalls. “I wanted my grandchildren to be covered as well.”
That kind of long-term thinking has become a defining characteristic of the family’s story. Each generation planted seeds they might never personally see come to full fruition.
The example left by Jerome and Arlene became especially meaningful after both grandparents passed in 2025, just 10 days apart. Throughout their lives, they maintained their life insurance and annuity policies and carefully planned how those assets would support their children and grandchildren.
“My grandmother shared that she really wanted these funds to be kept at Catholic United Financial and to go toward retirement or long-term care for ourselves,” Kristina says. “She wanted us to be protected in our futures just like she was.”
Their decision reflects a truth many families understand: Some of the most meaningful gifts are not for ourselves. They are investments in our family’s future.
While financial protection formed one part of the family’s connection, community formed another.
Kristina’s father and his siblings attended council picnics and turkey dinners as children. Kristina later attended some of those same events. Family members volunteered, served as council officers and remained active in local leadership.
