CHERYL SAMUELS Obituary

SAMUELS--Cheryl Troy. Cheryl Troy Samuels left this world for another on March 23, 2013 in Rockville, Maryland after battling Ovarian cancer for over five years with courage, strength and grace. Cheryl was born on October 1, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY where her father was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as a U.S. Navy ferry pilot during World War II. Though she was raised in Toledo, OH, Cheryl remained fiercely proud of her Brooklyn roots. After high school, Cheryl earned her certificate of dental hygiene and a Bachelor of Science degree in education from The Ohio State University; a Master of Science degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Michigan; and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in policy sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Her career was spent in higher education. For 17 years Cheryl served as Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore. Later, Cheryl served as Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN; Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA as well as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at both Texas Women's University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. An intrepid world traveler, avid reader, tenacious debater, academic visionary and mentor to young women, Cheryl had zest for life as anyone who knew her infectious laugh will tell you. Educated, accomplished, sophisticated and beautiful -- beauty and brains -- that was Cheryl! Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband Jeff, loving daughter Courtney, son Blair, parents Richard and Wanda Troy of Toledo, OH, sister Gay Escobar also of Toledo, OH and sister Connie Troy of Safety Harbor, FL. Cheryl's joyful, indomitable spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Published by New York Times on Mar. 30, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for CHERYL SAMUELS

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Remembering my childhood play mate and the summer lightning bugs. She really lived a sparkling life. Condolences to her Ohio and later family.

Susan Gerhart

January 24, 2015

Thank you everyone for all your kind words and memories about Cheryl. She will be missed forever but always in our hearts.
Love to all,
Connie Troy
Gay Troy Escobar
Wanda & Dick Troy

June 21, 2013

To the Troy Family,

Our sincere condolences for your loss. Dr Samuels was a wonderful cheerleader and great supporter of the McNair scholars program at IUP. We have been robbed of great educator and caring human being. May her soul rest in peace.
Dr. Calvin and Bonnie Masilela

Calvin

April 10, 2013

TO THE TROY FMAILY

My condolences with the passing of Cheryl.

The obituary is so exact.

Cheryl took great advantage of God's Blessings to lead with everything to have a great and productive life.

May God bless her in eternal life.

Sincerely,

Jim Muhn
Maumee, Ohio

April 10, 2013

TO THE TROY FAMILY:

My sincere Condolences to all of you.

Cheryl sure took a great advantage of God's Blessings to conduct with a special wonderful personality lead a great and productive life.

Anyone who knew Cheryl will never forget her.

May God Bless Cheryl in Eternal Comfort.

Sincerly,

Jim Muhn
Maumee, Ohio

April 10, 2013

Dear Jeff, I am sad to learn of Cheryl's passing. It was a joy to have you as my neighbors in Mankato. I often think of the fun times we shared. Cheryl was a bright light at MSU and was remembered by the current President, which is why I learned of her passing. May peace be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Barb

Barb Beck (Updike)

April 8, 2013

Took a walk today to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. The sun was shining, a warm breeze was blowing and the cherry blossoms were nearly at full bloom. The day would had been perfect if only Cheryl had been by my side. Miss you darling.

Jeff Samuels

April 8, 2013

I am so sad to hear about Cheryl. She hired me when she was the Dean at MSU Mankato, and was truly a mentor and inspiration. Cheryl was lovely, smart, and projected an amazing sense of calm and peacefulness. She has been on my mind lately. My sincere sympathy to all the family.

Kristin Juliar

April 8, 2013

Mr and Mrs Troy, I am deeply saddened to learn of Cheryl's passing. I am planning to attend our 50th DeVilbiss High School reunion and was so hoping to reconnect with her at that time.

She lived a beautiful life, and I am certain, fulfilled all your dreams for her. She will always remain a dear friend in my heart!

Mary Wilson Grapentine

April 5, 2013

My sympathy to Cheryl's family. As full time faculty while Cheryl was dean at ODU College of Health Sciences, I shared some wonderful conversations with her when she was out in the community.
Irene Connolly, Faculty ODU

April 4, 2013

I was saddened to learn of Cheryl's passing. She was an exceptional role model and leader in the dental hygiene profession and her contributions will live on. My sincere condolences to her family.

Deanne Shuman - Old Dominion University

April 4, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to Cheryl's family. She had such a positive influence, both professionally and personally, on many, many people.

Sally Lipsky

April 4, 2013

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a truly wonderful person. As Director of Liberal Studies, I reported directly to Cheryl. She was always supportive and offered wise guidance to our team that led the curriculum revision work. In addition to being an effective leader, Cheryl was a trusted colleague and in all circumstances a "lady" who manifested poise and grace. To her husband and children, I am so sorry for your loss,

Mary (Sadler) Williams

April 4, 2013

Cheryl was a great boss and mentor-- smart, driven and funny. While only at IUP a short time, she was instrumental in setting internationalization on a clearer and stronger path.

I counted Cheryl as a friend and have fond memories of travels in India (also with Jeff and the Pepsi-toast diet) and China. I will miss her dearly.

Michele Petrucci

April 3, 2013

How very special it was to have Cheryl at Indiana University of Pennsylvania as our Provost. She came at a time that we had incredibly poor and difficult administrative leadership. Cheryl brought sanity, humanness and intelligence to her role. Knowing Cheryl and Jeff during their time in Indiana was wonderful. My deepest sympathies for the loss to Jeff and family, and my deepest respect for her leadership and what she gave to others.

Robert Heasley

April 3, 2013

Cheryl was an inspiration to all and a mentor to many. I so enjoyed working with her during her time at IUP.

Barbe Moore

April 3, 2013

My sympathy goes out to the family. My prayer is that God will be ever so close to you all in this time of loss. Cheryl was a very special part of the executive team here at IUP and a joy to work with.

Jackie Greene

April 3, 2013

As one of Cheryl's predecessors in the Office of the Provost at IUP, I had the opportunity to work with her when she came to the University. I was always impressed with her competence and her great personality. She was missed by many of us when she left IUP and now, unfortunately, she will be missed even more. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy

Mark Staszkiewicz

April 3, 2013

Cheryl was an inspiration to me and to many others at IUP. She was extremely supportive, and challenged everyone to do their very best. She set a great example for all around her. She was a true leader and a wonderful person. My sympathy to her family and friends.

Lloyd Onyett

April 2, 2013

I know that Cheryl was loved very much by her sister Connie. My love to you at this time and always.

Emily Harrison

April 1, 2013

We are so sad to hear of the loss of your wonderful wife. Our thoughts are with you and you family.

Chris and Bernie at Starbucks In Florida

April 1, 2013

Cheryl was a true inspiration. I have never enjoyed working with someone like I did with her. She was graceful, powerful, insightful and had compassion. She was a true leader and was gifted and talented in working with others. She always made you feel welcome and that your opinion and thoughts mattered. The two years we worked together at IUP were magical...we had a great team and we truly believed that the "star of the team is the team." Her efforts were at the core of our success--which were many!

Beyond our work, we shared so many laughs...the many times we shared with Cheryl & Jeff (and David and Carol Burdette) I have never laughed and enjoyed life so much. The way she embraced friends and family, the way she engaged our daughter Katie, the way she lived life and took everyone along with her...

She will be sorely missed and always remembered.

Bob Davies

April 1, 2013

Cheryl was my friend, my mentor and my hero. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Valarie Trimarchi

March 31, 2013

Jeff - Larry and I were so sorry to hear this news. Beauty and brains - true. She was also so very kind and I remember we'll the many kindnesses she showed to me at ODU. I had hoped we would meet again and am so sad we didn't. I am glad she had your love and the children.

Nancy Bagranoff

March 31, 2013

Dick and Wanda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you for your comfort and endurance during this difficult time.

Debra King

March 30, 2013

Jeff,

My thoughts are with you and your entire family. Cheryl was a wonderful woman and mentor. I appreciated her commitment to education and fairness. She was 'fun' and full of life. She was a beautiful woman, indeed.
My sincerest sympathies.
Donna Griffith

March 30, 2013

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