Beloved Wife to Ian. Mother to Adam, Rachael, Ben and Natalie. Adored Nana to Gemma, Georgia, Joel, Liana, Elliot, Annika, Elton, Ethan, Dhani, Sophie and Gracie.
Cheryl was impossible not to love, from her warm smile to her cheeky personality, you couldn't help being happy in her presence. I don't think there will ever be the right words to describe just how kind Cheryl was. Coming from a family of eight as the youngest sibling, Cheryl held onto her sense of childlike joy throughout her life, and shared this joy as she went on to create her own large family. Her family was her life, and she spent her time pouring love into not only her direct family, but also her close friends and her 'adoptive grandchildren' who she treated as her own. She was known by most as 'Nana', often encouraging others to refer to her as Nana instead of Cheryl. No one was outside the reach of her warmth, and many have described her as one of the most selfless people they've met. She loved freely, and she shared her love without condition.
Cheryl also had an innate love of animals. Anyone who knew Cheryl, knew of her two beloved bull terriers Indie and Bonnie. Indie, her heart dog, was with Cheryl from the moment Indie was born until the very end of Cheryl's time on Earth. They were an inseparable pair. Along with her two dogs, Cheryl also brought home any pets she could including birds, chickens, geese and guinea pigs. She always had some spare food at home to feed the wild birds that came to visit her daily, and once raised a whole over 200 green tree frogs in an old fish tank when she found a bucket full of frogspawn in her backyard. As well as animals, she loved her plants. Her loving husband circled their beautiful home with hanging pots, and she surrounded her home with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. Her abundant love was not only shared with her family, but with all living creatures.
Music was one of Cheryl's greatest joys in life. Her home was never silent, as if it wasn't filled with her infectious laugh, it was filled with music. You could always hear her walking around humming a tune to herself, and Elvis (her all time favourite artist) was often heard playing from her bedroom late at night as she prepared for bed. Her love of music was so influential on many members of her family, and it is a love that will be treasured forever as a very special tie to such a beautiful woman.
Cheryl had such a warm, loving soul. She was put on this Earth to love, and she did with her whole being for the 70 years we were lucky enough to have her. She loved unconditionally, and shared like she was the richest woman alive.
Mum, you were my first friend, my longest friend and my best friend. Not a day goes by that I do not miss you. You were the most beautiful mother, so kind and loving and I am such a better person for having a mother like you.
I was not ready to say goodbye to you, but I don’t think I ever would have been. You were my warmest hugs, my most loving smile and your laugh was my favourite sound. You were always my sunshine on a warm day and my anchor in any storm.
I miss you more than any words could explain. I think of you on every long drive, as I would usually call you. Every happy day I want to call you and tell you about, and every sad day I want to hear your voice.
Sophie misses you so much. She has been sending you messages and she said she hopes you can read them. Thank you for all of the times she stayed over and the nights you stayed up giggling when you should have been going to sleep.
I will never stop missing you mum.
I first met Cheryl after I had a spinal operation in September 1970. I ended up getting the courage to ask her to go out with me. She said she would and I wondered why anyone as kind and gentle as Cheryl would want to go out with me as I was clearly batting out of my league.
I eventually married Cheryl in 1975 and I couldn’t have made a better choice. From 1970 to 2023 we never missed our anniversary, birthdays or christmas until now.
I’m certain that if I had another lifetime to look I would never find another person as kind and wonderful as Cheryl.
You are loved so much.
Forever, Ian
My name is Gemma, and I’m Cheryl’s eldest grandchild. I made this profile not only so Cheryl’s loved ones can sit and connect with her, but also for the loved ones of those buried around her. So you can know that your loved one is laying to rest next to one of the kindest souls you could meet.
Death ends a life, it doesn’t end a relationship. My Nana is my best friend. She has been since I was little, and she will be for the rest of my life. I will cherish her and the special bond we had forever.
I love you to the moon and back x
