Obituary - Cheryl Ann Lauer

Cheryl Lauer, known best as mom or "Grammy" to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2025. Born in Juniata-Altoona, PA on September 28, 1962, to Morton and Patricia Bartek, she lived a life rooted in love and family. Her lifelong belief that "If I want something done right, I'll do it myself" was inherited from her father. The deep commitment and love to her children and family was inherited from her mother.

Cheryl was a woman of simple joys who was unwaveringly devoted to her family. She was a devoted wife to Mark, whom she married on March 5, 1983. They built a life together in Glen Allen, VA with their 3 children, Eric (Ashley), Ashley (Greg), and Melissa. Their lives were made whole with the addition of their 5 grandchildren: Spencer(11), Hailey(9), Sloane(8), Jackson(6), and Lucy(5). Cheryl is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and her brother David. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Morton and Patricia and her brother Tim, along with loving grandparents.

Cheryl's hands were rarely still. She built beautiful furniture, she painted ceramics, she is a Virginia State Fair Blue Ribbon Award winner for crocheting, although most of her crocheted items are used each night by her grandchildren as the blankets and stuffed animals they snuggle to fall asleep, or are the sweaters, scarves, and hats worn by her loved ones. She was a wonderful baker and was famous for her "Grammy cookies". She had a green thumb to be envied and grew and canned many of her own vegetables and was well known for her delicious blackberry jelly and pickled beets. She loved making things for those she loved. Even in her later days when her energy waned, she still mustered the strength to crochet purses and stuffed animals for her grandchildren. She was often asked if she would sell her furniture and crocheted items, but she refused, standing firmly in her belief that she created things she loved for the people she loved.

Cheryl lived a life of service, caring for thousands of people through her career as a nurse, and she devoted much of her life to her beloved church, Skipwith United Methodist, where she served for many years in leadership roles and volunteer positions. She was a lover of pets, being a dog and cat mom to many special animals in her life. Her dog Zoey was by her side always.

Cheryl was a commanding presence standing at 5'11 tall, and never changed who she was, no matter who she was around. She was intimidated by no one, stood steadfast in her principles, and lived a life of morality and strength. Those who were lucky enough to be loved by her truly know the meaning of being loved fully and loved well. Cheryl Lauer's legacy will live on in the hearts she touched and the love she gave to her family and friends.

A celebration of Cheryl's life will take place 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, at Skipwith United Methodist Church, 2211 Skipwith Rd, Henrico, VA 23294, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.