Cherryl A. Grant passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2024 at University Hospital, Syracuse. She was 77 years old and will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved her, and by all who experienced her bright light and her love of traditions.
Cherryl is survived by her Life Partner of nearly 40 years Holice (Finche) Finch, her niece Michelle Gilmore, her nephew Joseph R. Gilmore, and her great niece Kylie Morrow-Gilmore. Cherryl was predeceased by her mother Adeline Gilmore, her father Joseph E. Gilmore, her brother Robert Gilmore, and her grandparents Edwin and Eva Smith.
Cherryl was born in Syracuse, NY on October 2, 1946. She graduated from Liverpool High School in 1964, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from SUNY Oswego in 1968, then went on to earn her master’s degree. She made Oswego her home for the next 55 years and was employed as a leader for The Arc of Oswego County until she retired in 2008. Cherryl received notable recognition for her advocacy and support throughout her career, including the Dr. John J. Readling Award for significantly and personally enhancing the lives of people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Per Cherryl’s request, her funeral will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Rd, Syracuse, NY 13209.
The arrangements are in the care of the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 W. 4th. St., Oswego.
Ray and I are so sorry to hear of Cherryl’s passing. Seems unreal that this energetic and party gal won’t be around to tell us about her travels, esp.her special place in the Bahamas, as well as, the books she enjoyed and voraciously read. We had such good times at all the holiday parties she planned over decades at OI. How do you say goodbye to someone so full of life? I guess you don’t…you say “so long” until we all get up to that rocking party in the sky! Finche, can’t say enough how we are hurting for you, m’friend. Family, you too. Now you have to tap into all those memories of a life well lived. Rest Cherryl.
Cherryl was my cousin. Her father and my Mother were siblings. WE did not see each other often, summers usually with annual parties at Uncle Joe’s, Aunt Minnies or my house, Aunt Cokie and Uncle Bob.
She was very supportive of my decision to go into education and allowed me to visit her in Oswego to observe a little. Supported my career choices and life choices when many did not. We had a few chuckles over the years about the craziness of family. I can hear her throaty laugh as I type this. I spent my entire career in Liverpool as an educator in one fashion or another. I loved what I did and she was one reason why I took that path. May she rest in peace and my Finche and her extended family find healing in the memory of her. Ray Stoffel
Finche and family, I am sad to hear of Cheryl’s passing. I am also one of Cheryl’s cousins and we had many good times together. May she rest in peace.