Cheryl

Cheryl led a full life living her way. She was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan of Norwegian heritage. Cheryl grew up in CNR stations where passing trains made their home rattle. She met husband, Peter, in grade 8. They became good friends. Cheryl was 15 and Peter 16 when they married. Two children, a boy and girl followed, but the couple decided two was all the children they wanted. Later she worked in Regina at the Department of Justice. Peter was transferred to Edmonton for work.  Cheryl is discouraged by Edmonton’s shorter summers, missing beautiful Saskatchewan skies.
Cheryl is pleased she and Peter stopped at two children.   Their two children provided them four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A proud grandmother and great grandmother, she suggests they are smart and cute. All her great grandchildren are male, until recently, a girl was born. Cheryl hasn’t met her yet, but plans to sew her a dress,
At 77, Cheryl lives in assisted living, surrounded by tubs of quilt fabric. She loves to sew. She learned from her father’s mother who made quilts for each member of her family. Quilts became central to her extended family in married life.
Cheryl is passionate about family, quilting and faith. Not a member of a church since moving to Edmonton, her faith sustains her. She listens to hymns online, prays, and feels God within her.
Cheryl faced challenges in her life with the gusto she instills in family and quilting. She survived a major stroke in 2007, that placed her in a wheelchair. She describes herself as having “one arm and half a brain.” But after her stroke, she determined she was going to get on with her life. She participated in “Getting on with the Rest of your Life after Stroke,” a program provided by Edmonton General Hospital. But her journey back from stroke was long. Luckily, she accomplished it. Her faith gave her strength in stroke recovery. She learned neuroplasticity of the brain creates new pathways to relearn what was lost. She worked hard after stroke. And to her delight, she learned to paint with watercolours.
 Over 30 years, she and husband Peter travelled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. A son, daughter-in law and grandchildren joined them over time.