Obituary - Cheryl Erk

Cheryl (Cheri) Erk, 66, of Richmond, Virginia passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025. She is preceded by her mother, Julia McGrath, and father, James McGrath. Cheri is survived by her husband of 44 years, Keith; her three daughters, Kristi (Matt) Torrenzano, Kelli (Peter) Krawczyk, and Katie (Tyler) Grissom; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Ben Torrenzano; her four brothers, Denny (Sherry) McGrath, Terry (Betty) McGrath, Pat (Melissa) McGrath, David (Mary) McGrath; and many loving nieces and nephews. Cheri graduated from Purdue University in 1980, where she was the first female ever to receive a scholarship for their Women’s Track and Field team. To this day, she holds a record at her high school, Benton Central, for the 440 yd dash. She dedicated her life to working with children, teaching both elementary and preschool. She served as Assistant Director at Discovery United Methodist Preschool, and in 2006, she became the founding Director of Christ Church Episcopal Preschool, creating the well-respected program from the ground-up. Her legacy lives on in the form of this preschool, which is centered around faith, family and community, and where all are welcome. Her work in service to young lives and families touched many hearts over her 17 years as Director, and brought her endless joy. She also served as Vice President of the Richmond Association for Directors of Early Childhood Education. A lifelong athlete, Cheri was often seen walking around her neighborhood, riding her bike, or swimming laps. She was the first one on the dance floor at any party, and is remembered by friends and family for her laugh, her whistle, and her loving smile. Visitation with the family is offered the day before the funeral, March 12, 2025 from 5-7pm at Bennett Funeral Home West Chapel. The funeral mass will take place on March 13, 2025 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060 at 2pm, with an additional visitation prior at 1pm, and a reception following mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association in her memory.