WESTFIELD – Cheryl D. Lemeher-Brown, 62, (1954-2017) of Westfield, MA passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones early Thursday morning, June 1, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 14, 1954 in Westfield, MA to Leo Meher and Dorothy Austin Meher and grew up in Chester. She graduated from Gateway Regional High School and later studied at Springfield College. Cheryl led a life of service to her loved ones and those less fortunate. A social worker by occupation, Cheryl dedicated her time to helping homeless and battered women. Committed to women in need of support, Cheryl became guardian and lifelong foster to one of her clients, Gloria Lutat, who for 20 years has lived with and been cared for by Cheryl and became part of the family. Cheryl’s drive to help those in need did not stop with people. A lover of all animals from birds to cats to dogs, Cheryl took in orphaned and often abused animals, which she aided back to health and cared for. Those who felt the immediate impact of her service and unconditional love are her children. Cheryl was happiest when all of her family was gathered together. From vacations at Hampton Beach to impromptu family cookouts to her annual Christmas Eve party, Cheryl beamed with pride, joy and love seeing all of her children and grandchildren together. Cheryl spent their winters in the Florida Keys. With a deep love of the ocean, Cheryl was most at peace with the sun on her face, a book in her hand, and the sand between her toes. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of more than 20 years, Norman Brown; their seven children: Jay Avanzato, Shawn, Nathan, and Kaila Bagley, Carl Makuch, and Randy and Kevin Brown; and their thirteen grandchildren: Anthony and Audrey Avanzato, Jackson, Alyssa, Abigail, and Allison Bagley, Savannah and Austin Bagley, Teddy Makuch, Jaxson and Madelyn Brown, and William and Maggie Brown. Cheryl is also survived by her mother-in-law Clara Brown, her stepbrother David Doyle, her stepsister Kathy Bodendorf, and her stepmother Rachael Meher. She will always be admired and adored by those she inspired and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 4PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St., Westfield, visiting hours will precede the service from 2-4 PM in the funeral home. www.firtionadams.com
