Cheryle Anne Ibaraki, a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away suddenly in Victoria, BC, on November 27, 2015. She is survived by her daughter Michelle, her father Gerald, siblings Ron (Barb), Kathy (Victor), Michael (Ruth), Joanne (Rene), Gwen (Charles), 12 nephews and nieces, 7 great-nephews and nieces, a loving extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Audrey and brother-in-law Charles.
She loved her family and friends, but her daughter Michelle held the most special place in her heart. She inspired the many people who entered her life and fundamentally touched everyone she met in some way. She will be greatly missed.
Born in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, she crossed the country, living in Peterborough, Kelowna, Vancouver and eventually Victoria.
During the course of her life, Cheryle worked as Chief Inspector at WestClox, a caring manager at A&W, and in Customer Service at BC Tel (Telus), where she won the top award for excellence. She was extremely intelligent and was a hardworking and dedicated employee.
Cheryle loved the water and swimming, a passion she shared with her daughter Michelle. Always active, Cheryle maintained her love of exercise throughout her life by walking, swimming and using the rowing machine.
Always an avid reader, she loved mysteries, history, ancient Egypt, biographies, National Geographic and much more. She was also a consummate letter writer. Cheryle was creative, making beautiful beaded earrings for her friends and family, as well as herself. She had an eclectic taste in music, which ranged from Rod Stewart, Eurythmics, U2, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, and KISS to Bach and Mozart.
Over the years, her greatest joy was cooking and baking, which she excelled at, and she passed that love of cooking to her sister Joanne. She was known for many delicious dishes, but she will always be remembered for her triple layer chocolate cake and Black Forest cake.
Twenty-three years ago, Cheryle was in a serious car accident where she suffered a severe head injury with many lasting imprints. At the time, the doctors did not give any hope for recovery. Refusing to believe the dire diagnosis and armed with their love, hard work, dedication, encouragement and all the information they could research, Michelle and her father worked daily for a year alongside health professionals to work with Cheryle to re-learn how to sit, stand, talk, read and write again, and in due course, they helped her get to a point where she was able to live independently. But ultimately, her miraculous recovery would not have been possible without Cheryle’s determination, strength, grit, tenacity, resilience and hard work. Although her life changed significantly after the accident, these traits never left her.
Cheryle faced all challenges throughout her life with grace, determination, perseverance, and a smile on her face. She was a talented, funny, smart, generous, and kind woman, and her strength was evident – physically, mentally and spiritually.
She will be remembered for her generous and friendly nature and her sparkling eyes and beautiful smile.
A special thank you to Greg who was a great friend to Cheryle and to her homecare workers Erika and Brenda for their caring support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 in Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Danielle, Anthony, Quintin, Violet
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Marj Wallace We were all saddened by Cheryle’s sudden passing. We will forever miss her warm smile, her kind and generous spirit, and her ability to be always happy though thick and tin. Remembered and never forgotten. May God bless you and keep you. Rest in peace.
Marj & family
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Evelyn & Willy Tobler Cheryle touched our lives in so many different ways and she will always have a special place in our hearts. We will miss her.
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Tina, Stephen and Annaliese Thom Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time; please remember that you are not alone, we are always here for you.
With much love;
Tina, Stephen and Allie
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Tamara and Dima We will miss Auntie Cheryle very much. I will especially remember the way her joy would take over her entire face when she was laughing and smiling :). Michelle, our thoughts are with you *hugs*.
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Carolyn Palfrey Dear Michelle,
We are sorry for your loss. I remember your mother as a gentle, kind woman. I only have good memories of her during my childhood. Our thoughts are will you during this difficult time.
With love,Carolyn and Family
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Audrey Palfrey Dear Michelle & all others who cared so deeply for Cherelle
We remember her for her kindness and her wonderful cooking. I am so sorry for your loss.
Auntie Cheryle – I will always treasure the letters you wrote, the thoughtful wisdom you enparted to me (both as a kid and as an adult), the sincere joy you expressed, the appreciation for the wonderful simple things in life that you taught me, your courage and sheer detemination that inspires me. In all the phases of your life, you have shown me how to be a better human. I will always lovingly recall the excursions you took me on with Michelle as a kid. And all the visits and conversation as an adult. I am a better, more grounded and happier person for having known you. Truly the world is a better place with you having graced it and your impact and legend will continue on for decades to come.