Cheryl Lynn Szczesny

SZCZESNY, CHERYL LYNN. Age 65 of Sterling Heights, MI passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 15, 2026. Cheryl was born June 24, 1960 to parents Claudette Y. & Donald E. Szczesny. Her life was a story of perseverance, strength, and love from the beginning. At that time, there were limited medical treatments for spina bifida, and Cheryl was given a poor prognosis. However, her mother Claudette, with the encouragement and love from her husband Donald and her knowledge as a medical assistant, brought Cheryl home and sought expert care. Cheryl travelled to Chicago to receive state-of-the-art medical treatments and surgeries and received her first wheelchair at 18 months old. With wholehearted acceptance of her disability, Cheryl lived a beautifully full life. She found her own way of doing things, adapting as necessary to participate and enjoy all aspects of it. Cheryl graduated Warren Woods Tower High School (Warren, MI) in 1979 and then pursued higher education at Macomb Community College (MCC Clinton Township, MI). Her first employment was as a ward clerk for an entire wing of Nightingale North Nursing Home (Warren, MI). During her time at MCC Clinton Township, she was personally asked by the college dean to work in MCC’s career center. Cheryl took special pride in this position and being personally asked by the dean. Outside of work, Cheryl’s passion was crafting and creativity. It was special to receive greeting cards, memory albums, and elaborate paper crafts for birthdays, holidays, and life events. Cheryl connected with other crafters online to learn new skills and advance her hobby. Cheryl was a lifelong Tony Orlando fan. She loved his music, particularly “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”. She was able to meet Tony in person numerous times and attended countless concerts over decades. All members of our family were delighted to join her at these concerts and witnessed her joy & excitement. Cheryl continued to beat the odds throughout her life. She was a proud breast cancer survivor, and credited God on how quickly her lung cancer remitted after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Cheryl’s unwavering hope and will to live was an inspiration to our whole family. Even at the end of her life, Cheryl was optimistic and thinking of the needs of her loved ones. Cheryl is survived by her beloved mother Claudette Y. Szczesny; her cherished sisters, Lorraine (Eric) Kimminau and Linda (Marc) McMaken, who through the guidance of God, provided care for Cheryl in these last months. Cheryl is loving aunt to Melissa (Stefan) Papandreou, Allison (Charles) Porter, Leah (Adam) Merrick, Kiera Kimminau, and Donald Kimminau. She was a special godmother to nieces Melissa and Leah, and adoring Gia (great aunt) to Jeffrey Porter and Sofie Cheryl Merrick. She is preceded in death by her devoted father, Donald E. Szczesny. Our family wants to thank the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living (Shelby Township) and Gentiva Hospice for providing Cheryl the very best around the clock care these past eight months. Cheryl loved having her own apartment at Sunrise of Shelby and delighted in decorating and hosting visitors. The Sunrise and Gentiva staff are like family to us now and provided care to Cheryl as if she was part of theirs. Visitation Wednesday 3-9pm with 7:45pm Scripture Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Funeral Thursday Instate 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church 44633 Utica Rd. (S. of Hall Rd. & W. of Van Dyke) until time of Mass at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to Hockey Fights Cancer. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Cheryl Lynn Szczesny

June 24, 1960 - March 15, 2026