We celebrate the vibrant life of Cheryl Lydia Stewart, affectionately known by many as Sherry, a beacon of light whose spirit shone brightly through every path she lead. Born on May 23, 1949, in the city of New York, New York, she embarked on a lifetime journey that would be characterized by love, adventure, and selfless devotion. Sherry's earthly odyssey concluded gracefully on February 2, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

Sherry's story is one of unwavering dedication, not just to her family, but to her community. For nearly two decades, she worked and managed a group home for the developmentally disabled for Walnut Street, Inc. in Massachusetts, where her compassion forever changed many lives for the better. She poured her heart into this work, advocating tirelessly for those in her care and demonstrating that every individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Her selflessness continued on far after retirement carrying over into her independent living community, where she was often seen helping someone fix something, cooking a delicious meal or providing a ride.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sherry was a woman of boundless interests and passions. Her adventurous soul couldn't be contained, which saw her embarking on countless cross-country road trips in her “trusty” 1978 Chinook Camper Truck (she owned a few over the years). Each journey a quest to capture the essence of the vast and varied American landscape she loved so dearly. The west and desert landscapes, in particular, captivated her heart and imagination, calling her back time and time again to their rugged beauty and timeless allure.

One need only glance at Sherry's photography to understand her appreciation for the world's natural beauties. Her fascination with the moon seeped into her art; she spent countless nights chasing the perfect lunar photograph, one that could encapsulate the celestial body's silent poetry; "Everyone wants to be the sun to brighten up someone’s life, but why not be the moon, to shine on someone’s darkest hour?"

At the core of her being, Sherry was a family woman. It was in the presence of her children, Robert and David; her grandchildren, Kyle, Kathryn, Morgyn, Riley, Raina, Andrew, Kortney, Ky, and Jordan; and great-grandchildren, Varrah, Cody, Kayson, Coby, Jordan, Carter, Lilly, and Aurora that she found her greatest joy and purpose. Sherry's family was her masterpiece, the canvas upon which she painted her most profound love and greatest hopes. That, above all, was her true legacy.

Her spirited nature, thoughtfulness, and selflessness are traits that beautifully painted the canvas of her life and lit up the lives of those around her. Sherry's emotional generosity and the vitality with which she greeted each day left permanent impressions on each heart she touched. Indeed, Sherry embraced life as the adventure it truly is, imparting that sense of fearless joy and wonder to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Today, as we reflect on Cheryl "Sherry" Stewart's remarkable journey, we are reminded of her brother Micheal, who remains with us, carrying forward the light of her memory. Sherry now joins the ranks of her predeceased loved ones: her mother, Eunice; father, Richard; sisters, Mary and Janina; and her brothers, David and Phillip.

As we bid farewell to a woman whose very essence was kindred to the radiant moon she adored, we are reminded to keep our eyes to the wonders around us, and our hearts open to the adventures that beckon. In the close distance between dusk and dawn, we can almost hear her whisper, "I’ll be not deterred on this journey as I look but to the sky. So be helpful, do not hinder. I’ll reach the top before I die."

In honoring Cheryl Lydia Stewart, we are compelled to live as she did, fully and with unreserved vulnerability. Sherry's legacy is a call to action, inspiring us to embark on our own quests with the same spirited resolve she exemplified throughout her cherished years. Her story doesn't end but rather continues in the echoes of her influence and inspiration, urging us to reach for the moon and stars.