Cheryl S. Ryan

BARRE TOWN - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cheryl S. Ryan, a beloved mother and caretaker. Cheryl went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Born on July 10, 1958, Cheryl was the daughter of Lucille (Hood) Ryan and the late Dean Perry of East Barre, VT. She was the youngest of three, and her older brothers lovingly called her "Sissy." Cheryl graduated from Spaulding High School in 1976, and after graduation, she worked at Capital City Press. After the birth of her first child, she opened a daycare to raise her children from her first marriage (Robert Ryan) and to care for many others. As her children became older, she was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 2013, she retired to help care for her grandchildren.

Cheryl dedicated her life to her family in the most nurturing and heartfelt ways. She found her greatest joy in expressing her love through cooking and baking. Her family dinners were filled with laughter, love, and lots of gravy; her kids and grandchildren couldn't wait for the next invite.

She had a vibrant and adventurous side. Cheryl loved to dance, go shopping and had a contagious personality. She enjoyed camping and traveling with her life partner, Tony, where they visited their favorite destinations by plane or fifth wheel. Cheryl enjoyed planning the trip as much as the trip itself. Her nurturing side extended beyond caring for her children and grandchildren; Cheryl would make homemade Halloween costumes, sew gowns for special events, research an illness if someone was sick, or thoughtfully pick out the perfect gift. She was a steadfast caregiver to Tony as he battled cancer. Her goal was to make him as comfortable as possible during his final days.

As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, let us remember the love she showered upon us, the meals she lovingly prepared, the dances she led us in, the camping trips she organized, and the dreams she shared. Though Cheryl may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in the memories and traditions she created.

Survivors include her mother Lucille Ryan, her brother Alan Perry (Peggy), her daughters Kelley Reed (Ryan), Kristina Bellavance (Ryan), Jennifer Trombly (Jeremiah), Angela Bisson (Adam), and Deanna Booth (Bobby) and grandchildren Zackary, Dylan, Avery, Rylee, Hallie, Lauren, Sawyer, Addison, Timmy, and Henry, who will carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and adventure.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her life partner Anthony Chaloux, her brother Gordon Perry, and her granddaughter Olivia Reed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, an organization dear to Cheryl’s heart, at www.cvhhh.org or by mail CVHHH, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.

The service to honor and celebrate Cheryl’s life will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the Christ Community Alliance Church, 2 Church Street, East Barre.  There are no calling hours.