It is with overwhelming sadness and broken hearts, that we share the passing of Cheryl Ann (Jentzsch) Calchera. She was taken from us too soon on Friday, September 23, 2022; she was 68 years old.
To those who loved her and knew her best, she was a formidable warrior; our very own superhero with the most beautiful smile. The strongest, kindest, most selfless, nurturing, and loving person, who impacted everyone she met. She pushed herself to move past the pain and physical obstacles she faced every minute of every day for the past 20 years, especially the past 6 months while dealing with multiple complications from spinal reconstructive surgery. When most would have given up, she fought harder, and the strength she instilled in all of us will help carry us through this insurmountable loss.
Her determination and endurance was fed by the love and support of her husband of 42 years, Peter; her daughter, Heather; and her son, Matthew, his wife Dorothy, and their sons, the loves of her life, Logan and Hunter. Her spirit and vivacity will live on in them forever. The daughter of the late William Jentzsch and Janet Casalini, she grew up in Irvington, NY with her sisters who survive her, Susan Casadone and Valerie DePonto. She is also survived by her mother in law, Josephine Calchera, and nephews Nicholas, William, and Michael Casadone. She was predeceased by her brother in law, Nicholas Casadone, in January of this year.
Cheryl and Peter raised their family in Yorktown Heights, NY. Her greatest joy was having her family over for holiday celebrations, especially Thanksgiving. Two nights after she passed, as we all sat together around her dining room table to share a meal, the light that hangs over the table flashed off and on, something it has never done before. We believe that it was Cheryl’s way of telling us that she is okay, and was happy to see us all together sharing happy memories of the past. This world will be a lonelier place without her, and she will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to be part of her life.
A private family memorial service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations in Cheryl’s honor to:
Lupus Foundation of America
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037
www.lupus.org
or
Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation
8815 Conroy Windermere Rd. Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835
helpfightra.org