Cheryl Massaro Obituary

Cheryl and I became friends while working together at Colorado National Bank. She was such a wonderful caring person and a great inspiration to me. Her passing left a real void to all who knew her. My husband George and I moved to Arizona but we stayed in touch as best we could. I think of her often with such fondness and admiration.

Dear Bob and family—
Fourteen years ago you, and all who knew and loved Cheryl, lost a very special lady. Phyllis and I expressed to you then our love and condolences.
Five years after Cheryl went home to our LORD we lost Phyllis. Two months after Cheryl’s passing our family received a miracle—a successful double lung transplant for Phyllis. Unfortunately she later developed squamous cell skin cancer and was unable to be treated aggressively due to her immunosuppression from the transplant. Phyllis went to join Cheryl on September 10, 2011. That was just 6 months short of our 50th anniversary.
I have since remarried — to a wonderful lady from our home town in NC. She promised to join me in Texas for 5 years....8 years ago. This June we moved to Wilmington NC.
Bob, nothing can replace the special ladies with whom we spent much of our adult lives. God heals our hurts, but He blessedly lets us retain the beautiful memories we shared.
May God richly bless you and yours.
In His name
Warmly
Bill Croom

Dear Bob and Family,

Cheryl has been such an inspiration to so many of us, and her passing has left a large void in my heart. She was such a beautiful soul who accomplished so very much in her short time here. As sick as she was, she gave so much of her time and energy to our Pulmonary Hypertension support group. She was there for each of us as we battled our illnesses. Her dedication will never be forgotten. I will miss her alot!!

I knew Cheryl only a short time, but from that time I saw just what kind of a sweet person she is. Her demeanor is kind and generous, and she will be missed by many people. Cheryl, thank you for being so kind. God Bless you, Cheryl.

Dearest Cheryl, May the hands of a greater being than us be your guiding light now. My dear cousin, you will be missed. I will have the fond memories of our youth to bring a smile when I feel sad. You will always be in my heart and we will meet again someday. I love you.

Bob, Cameron, Marshall, Cheryl's Dad Bob, Eric, Bobbie, Lindsey, Jodi, Janice & Ray,
It is obvious to me that God must have had something very important for Cheryl to do in Heaven as she was so important to so many here on earth. Prior to her health struggles as well as after she always had everything together i.e., she was beautiful inside and out, always looked great regardless the setting, professional and obviously such a caring person, wonderful friend, and always had a hug. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to know and love Cheryl - she taught me a great deal both personnally and professionally. I will carry her light in the part of my heart that is for my dear friend Cheryl forever. I know each of you are dealing with an empty heart now, I pray that the emptiness will be filled with the wonderful memories, love and lessons Cheryl provided and will continue to do so. Dave, Tanner and I hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Love you,
Debbie Shackelford

Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. Even though the time spent with the both of you was not very often, we always enjoyed the time we did spend together. We feel as though we know Cheryl and you Bob through Ray and Janice. Bob, you and Cheryl have been in our prayers daily since learning that Cheryl was growing weaker day by day. May God give you the strength and comfort you will need each day without your dear Cheryl by your side. She will always be with you in spirit. We will continue to keep you in our prayers daily. Love, Gary and Andrea

I attended Cheryl’s Memorial Service today and had so much that I wanted to say to her friends and family in attendance, although the opportunity did not present itself. I initially prepared a verbal message for Cheryl’s Memorial Service, but I will write you my message in this format instead. Cheryl was my very best friend for 32 years. My husband Ray introduced me to Cheryl and Bob in 1974 when Ray and I were dating. Ray and Bob have known each other for a longtime, attending Lincoln Grade School and Wasson High School together. Cheryl and Bob was a fun couple to be with. Our children were the same ages and we had many memorable times together. I admired Cheryl as she was beautiful, intelligent, proud, determined and a good listener. Cheryl was everyone’s friend and I told Cheryl that she was a people magnet. The word “no” was not in Cheryl’s vocabulary. Cheryl said yes to everyone and everything. It was important for Cheryl to make a difference. This past year, Cheryl’s bad days out numbered her good days. Cheryl and Bob would meet us for lunch or dinner, although Cheryl was not feeling well. Cheryl would always make sacrifices for her friends and family. Cheryl refused to give into her illnesses. She seldom complained and remained positive. I am thankful for the time I had with Cheryl. Cheryl, I will miss you everyday and remember you always. I love you Cheryl.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.

Dear Bob, Cameron and Marshall. Growing up with your family are among my fondest memories. Cheryl was always so warm and generous to our family. Her support has been there and appreciated throughout my military service. Her strength and character has inspired me.

I am forever grateful that my best friend married Cheryl. I was fortunate enough to know and spend quality time with Cheryl over the past thirty some years. Cheryl was like a sister to me and my wife's closest friend. I am a better person now that I have known and interacted with Cheryl over all those years. Cheryl stood for all that is right in our lives and always put her family and friends first. I will miss Cheryl a lot, although keep her in mind and spirit forever.

Cheryl lived life large. Nothing, not even these horrible diseases, could stop her spirit and love. Cheryl, you will always live on in the hearts and love of your family and those of us who were lucky enough to know you and call you friend.

No greater loss then a mother and wife. It was extremely touching to read these entries about such an extremely strong, warm, and caring women. Our thoughts and prays are with you.

My dearest Cheryl, seems like only yesterday we were starting our life together. Thirty-nine years does not seem that long ago, because I spent those years loving and cherishing you and all your accomplishments. Through all your pain and suffering with PH and Scleroderma you always kept a positive and bright attitude. Even the Doctors and Nurses who cared for you cried when you departed this earth. You will be dearly missed by your two wonderful sons and by a husband that will love you forever and forever.

Dear Bob, Cameron, and Marshall, Cheryl was such kind and lovely woman. I see her spirit of optimism and zeal for life live on in you , Marshall. She handled this difficult illness with dignity and grace. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. All our love, The Juths

Cheryl,
You will always be associated with some of my favorite childhood memories. I enjoyed the time I spent with you and your family greatly. You always managed to make me so welcome in your home.

I remember you as kind and strong, but most importantly someone who loved life beyond all else. You created warmth, happiness and fun wherever you went. That lesson was learned well and is practiced by your sons every day.

I will miss you,

Matt

Dear Bob & Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Cheryl was such an amazing lady, an inspiration to many, myself included and someone I greatly admired. It was so nice to call her my friend and I know how very much she loved and adored you.

May God bless and keep your family in this difficult time. Vickie

Though I was not a close friend of Cheryl's, I was blessed to meet her and a wonderful group of women that got together once a month to play "bunko", drink some wine, and catch up with dear friends. I only spoke with Cheryl a few times, but in those meetings and being a part of this special group of ladies, I have learned much about her integrity, thoughtfulness of others, and passion for life . My heart and my prayers go out to the Massaro family during this difficult time. Be comforted in that Cheryl will continue to live and thrive in all the many hearts that she touched.

Although I did not know Cheryl personally, I wish I could have. She seems like the kind of person that anyone would love to have for a friend and/or an advocate. To all her family and friends, I am profoundly sorry for your loss. May God give you the grace to get through this.

Massaro Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss.
Cheryl was one of those individuals who truly made a difference in so many lives. I really believe the world is a better place because she made it that way. I consider myself to be so very honored to have known her for so many wonderful years. She will be missed each and every day of my life. My heart goes out to each one of you during this incredibly difficult time.

Bob, Cameron, & Marshall,
We are truly sorry for the loss. I only knew Cheryl for a little bit, but what I could make of it, she was a strong women who didn't let her illness get her down. You all take Care and PLEASE let us know if we can do anything at all for you.
With great love!!!
Peter, Cheree and Aden Jensen

Dear Bob, Cameron and Marshall, George and I grieve for you all as we feel our sorrows over the loss of Cheryl. She never faltered in her support and love for those around her. Even though distance has kept us from being together, our thoughts and prayers were always with you all as they will be now. Cheryl will always be missed by those fortunate to have her in their lives. We are so sorry she was taken at such a young age but we know she is out of pain and in a better place. I'm sure she looks down on us all daily with her warm smile and hug. Love to you. Gwen and George Dushan

Cheryl was a true leader; strong, focused, selfless and always caring for others before herself. She was much more special than the rest of us. She will be sorely missed.

Dear Bob and Family--

Phyllis and I send our love and sympathy to you on the loss of your dear wife and Mom, and our dear friend Cheryl. I will always cherish the times she and I spent working Chamber, Air Force Association, and other civic endeavors those many years we were in Colorado Springs. She was a very special lady who made everyone around her not only happy but more importantly, better. And she and Phyllis shared a special--and undeserved--bond as they both fought the ravages of pulmonary hypertension and its related issues. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob, Phyllis sends a special hug to you, her Realtor compatriot and great friend. We both love you, and know we will see Cheryl again in Glory.

God bless you all.

You were the greatest mother a son could ever have. Your warm and selfless heart, beautiful smile, and love towards your family and friends will never be forgotten. In these recent days I have been blessed with the love and support of family and friends whose lives you influenced. You were always though of as a mother to many of my friends and their memories of you are deeply positive.

In the months and weeks leading up to your passing, I truly realized how courageous and strong of a mother you were. I will always look up to you for how hard you fought these illnesses, even when it appeared that they had taken all of your strength.

I love you with all of my heart and I will never forget the love and dedication you have given Cameron, dad and I. We can only pray that you will finally enjoy the aspens, mountains, and fresh air that have been distant from you for so long. You will be missed! I love you mom!!!

I will forever miss you and our monthly lunches. Even when you could no longer venture out, I brought lunch and food to you, just to enjoy your company!! You were an amazing woman and I will forever be grateful to have known you these last 3 years - just wish it didn't have to end this way - way too soon!!!!!

Dear Bob, Cameron, and Marshall,
Knowing Cheryl and you has been one of the highlights of my life. I will miss Cheryl more that I could ever express. Caring for her was a deep honor and privledge. I know that I am a better person because of her. She has left a deep and meanignful legacy.
Karen Fagan

My mother was an inspiration to so many people, a selfless woman who always put the concerns of others before her own needs. My mom valued relationships with family and friends more than anything. Not even a horrible illness, nor the daily struggle with her own hurt, could rob my mom of her smile and the love she felt toward others. My mom will be dearly missed, and her memory will continue to live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

You were the greatest mother a son could ever have. I will miss you and your hugs. I love you, Mom!!! Cameron

Cheryl was a wonderful person. She was always willing to help people with PH understand the disease and answer questions. She will be missed. Our condolences to her family .

Cheryl was one of the special people here on earth and always so happy & inspiring. I am personally greatful for having been allowed to know her. God bless her family with happy memories of her during this time.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Cheryl was an inspiration to our PH support group. Her dedication to provide information about PH and scleroderma was outstanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dear Bob,

I was sorry to learn of your wife's death. The obituary makes clear that she was a truly remarkable woman. My condolences to you and your family.

Yours in Christ,

Tim

Cheryl was such an inspiration to me. As the facilitator of the Scleroderma Support Group in Colorado Springs she always helped me realize the importance of the mission, even if you only reach one person. She never quit fighting and will be missed. Condolences to the family and know we all share your pain.

We will miss you Cheryl.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Cameron, Marshall and the rest of Cheryl's family. You will be missed.

I am a much better person for having known Dearest Cheryl, I only wish I would have know her longer. She gave me such GREAT SUPPORT with my ph illness and her phriends will miss her terribly. Thank you Cheryl, her two Bob's, for being there for us. You will always be in our hearts. Cheryl was a fighter and gave us such strength. We will always love you and you will forever be in our memory. You will be missed. Antoinette B.