Born on April 25, 1948, in Rochester, New York, to Charles and Loraine Irwin (both deceased), Cheryl grew up in Irondequoit, a member of the first graduating class at Bishop Kearney High School. She went on to attend Rosary Hill College in Amherst NY, to become an elementary school teacher, pursuing a path that perfectly aligned with her love for children and her lifelong commitment to helping them grow.
Cheryl devoted her career to elementary education, shaping countless young lives with patience, creativity, and heart. She taught at many schools over the years, most recently at Public School 33 in Rochester, NY, where she was cherished by colleagues and students alike. She believed deeply in her students' potential and made every classroom a place of encouragement and possibility.
Throughout her life, Cheryl lived in several parts of the United States, always creating a warm and beautiful home for her family no matter how far life took them. She embraced adventure fully, even moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, an experience that reflected her openness, curiosity, and courage. Ultimately, Cheryl returned to Rochester, where she felt most deeply rooted among familiar places and the people she loved most.
Beyond her career and travels, Cheryl's life was filled with the things she cherished. She loved entertaining, creating spaces filled with laughter, good food, and genuine connection. She treasured her time in Naples, Florida, where she and her late husband shared sunshine, relaxation, and lasting memories. Cheryl loved playing card games with friends and family, reading and spending time with her treasured grandchildren. Her sweet tooth was legendary, making it all the more fitting that Ray lovingly called her "Sweetie."
Those who knew Cheryl will remember her as fiercely loyal, endlessly loving and radiant in spirit. Her presence lit up every room. Cheryl's family will hold her close in their hearts forever, grateful for the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the beautiful life she lived. May her memory continue to shine brightly in all who loved her.
Cheryl is survived by her sister, Linda Lissow and she leaves behind a legacy of love through her children and grandchildren: Ashley Patterson with her spouse Christopher and their family Charlie and Harper; Jodi McNally with her spouse Gray and their family Teddy and Mackenzie. Sara Cox with her spouse Kevin and their family Ethan, Zoe, Ava, Grayson; Gavin with his spouse Caroline and Kylo; and Gage with his spouse Skylar; Anne Thorpe with her spouse Rick and their family Nicolas and Emma; Richard Mayewski with his spouse Jessica and their family Sebastian and Jorge with his partner Sophia and Alma Rose; and Elizabeth Mayewski. She is also lovingly remembered by her nephew, Chad Lissow and his son Kane; her niece, Meghan Herbert with her spouse Ryan and their son Charlie, her brother-in-law, Thomas Mayewski and her first husband, Walter Reid Foertsch.
A visitation and gathering to honor the life of Cheryl Ann Mayewski will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Anthony Funeral Home, 2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY. A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Louis Church, 64 South Main Street, Pittsford, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cheryl's memory to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (formerly the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF)), a cause close to Cheryl's heart. Contributions can be made online at: www.breakthrought1d.org.
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