CHERYL O’HARA

1951 – CHERYL O’HARA – 2022 It is with tremendous sadness we say goodbye to Cheryl Ann O’Hara. She passed away peacefully on December 30, 2022 at the age of 71 years. She was born in Trenton ON to parents James and Dorothy O’Hara, along with two sisters, Sandra (Steve), Bonnie (Dan); and one brother Allan (Elaine). She leaves behind her only daughter, Amanda (Greg) and two beautiful grandchildren, Ryker and Rhya. Throughout Cheryl’s life she has always had a special bond with books and music. As a child if she wasn’t catching bugs or skating she would be dancing to the latest music of James Brown. Even my first memory of my mom is dancing to loud music in the kitchen to Bon Jovi. In her 20’s, she moved from Belleville, ON to Medicine Hat, AB to explore new possibilities. She worked for many years at the Auxiliary in the Medicine Hat Hospital. She loved working with seniors and those who needed constant care. But more importantly she loved who she worked with, many of those relationships continued to the end of her life. Mom eventually moved to Burstall, SK, where you could see her walking her favourite companion, Scooter. I remember her love of books continued with her interest in crime and science fiction. It always brought joy to her that myself and both grandchildren had a passion for reading as well. She was also well known for her baking and coffee sessions with the girls. If I close my eyes I can still hear her contagious laugh. Not only did mom find special bonds with so many friends in Burstall but she did find peace in her heart with her relationship with God. In late 1990’s Mom went deaf. This was a hard time in her life. She felt isolated and lonely. Many of her friends and myself helped her through this difficult time. Being deaf never stopped mom from enjoying her books but thanks to closed caption Mom found a passion of movies and TV shows; science fiction of course. We would sit for hours talking about the latest movies and TV shows. The top of the list was The Walking Dead. I am laughing now at how many hours we bonded over zombies. In 2010, mom could no longer care for herself and she moved into assisted living. She moved around to different homes but spent the last eight years in River Ridge retirement home. She was known for being goofy with them and playful. Saturday afternoons were ice cream days and she relished in her favourite; chocolate. Much of the staff was a second family for her. As per Cheryl’s wishes her ashes will be taken back to Belleville to be laid to rest with her mother and father and no service will be held. If friends desire, donations can be made to the Medicine Hat public library to honor her memory of love for the written word. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Cheryl O’Hara. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.