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Cheryl Houghton Girardi

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University of Cincinnati

Cheryl Girardi Obituary

Cheryl Houghton Girardi of Hilton Head, SC died Friday, January 10, 2014. She was born in Andover, Massachusetts on January 26, 1947. Cher was the oldest of three children, born to Oliver and Jean Houghton. She graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1964, where was well loved by all. She was planning to attend her 50th high school reunion this summer. Cher attended Virginia Intermont College and the University of Cincinnati and received her BA in education. She will be missed by many friends and family from all over the world, including the following places she called home: Andover (MA), Mamaroneck (NY), Miami (FL), New Milford (CT), Milford (OH), Hudson (OH), Tulsa (OK), Tokyo (Japan), Boca Raton (FL), Dubai (UAE), and Hilton Head (SC). During her time in Tokyo and Dubai, she enjoyed organizing women's travel groups. This experience allowed her to explore different cultures and she touched the hearts of many along the way. Her most recent move brought her to Hilton Head, where she enjoyed working endless hours in her yard, creating a beautiful place to live. She is survived by her loving husband Gradwell Mark Girardi, brother Randall Houghton, sister Deborah Houghton Taylor, son Scott (Heathyr), son Rob (Mary), daughter Jennifer, and stepson Bill (Donna). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart. Cher "Gigi" loved being a grandmother. From riding bikes, to building sandcastles, to playing in the pool, Gigi always remained young at heart with her grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2014 at 10am at First Presbyterian Church 540 Willliam Hilton Parkway in Hilton Head, SC 29928. Family and friends will gather after the service at the Girardi residence. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Cher's mother Grace Jean Houghton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet from Jan. 14 to Feb. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Cheryl Girardi

16 Entries

Sharon Green

January 8, 2020

After moving from Boca, Cher and I would cross paths in the craziest of places. Like the DMV parking lot in Deerfield where her Jenn and my Jenn were renewing their drivers license. What were the chances? Fate always brought us together. Some day our paths will cross again and I look forward to that amazing reunion

January 17, 2014

Dear Grad, Jen, Grace, Sophie and Family,
I just learned of the passing of Cher and am so saddened. I wished too have been at the service today. I just recently ran into Cher and she was beautifully tanned from a sunny Christmas trip. Cher was a neighbor and friend of mine. I admired her passion for gardening, her soft spirit and her love of her family. Her beauty inside and out was infectious. I miss her tonight and only can imagine what her family feels. My heart goes out to your family in this hard time. Molly Phillips and family

Bob & Jackie Sergi

January 16, 2014

No amount of words can express our sorrow for your lost. May God watch over you and your family. MHS 64

January 15, 2014

Thank you Russ for calling me yesterday about Cherie. On Jan. 7th she wrote me via Facebook. On Jan. 8th I sent her this message. I am hoping she read it before she died on Jan. 10th:

Oh Cherie,

I still remember you like we were in high school! I am glad you contacted me and know you and your husband, Grad, are very happy. I saw you at our 20th Mamaroneck High School reunion and then I didn't attend anymore after that. Russ Bergen, who also lives in San Diego, keeps me updated on you and the others. I've never forgotten your kindness to me in high school, and now I get a chance to return the favor.

When you are visiting your wonderful two sons, please let me know and we'll definitely get together, and maybe Russ can join us. Since you saw me on Facebook you probably know I just wrote a book on Sesame Street; I used to work there. If you or your sons are in educational media, then perhaps I can help them with contacts at the Sesame Workshop. Even though we did not grow up with Sesame Street, if you are interested in this show, I'll send you an autographed book.

Your Facebook picture is a little fuzzy and thus I couldn't make you or Grad out. Please send me some photos at [email protected] --although Russ says you look just like you did in high school! :) By the way, I still remember your baloney sandwiches, and am sorry about your mother passing away so early in your life.

Love,

Lucille

Grad, I debated whether I should reprint my entire letter to Cherie just before she left me and us, but it is my way of honoring her and thanking her one last time. If I can be of any help to you, her family and yours, then please don't hesitate to ask me. We are all crying about your loss. So Much Love, Lucille

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Gary & Sharon Green

January 15, 2014

Although no words can express our sorrow, nor ease your loss, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

January 15, 2014

Cheri, my dear cousin, was naturally compassionate, and religiously embraced her family and friends. Togetherness, kkeeping in touch, and being supportive, was what she offered continuously without reservation. May her steadfastness be carried on in her memory.
with all my love,
Sandra Houghton Schreiber

January 15, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 14, 2014

Linda White Flemate MHS. '64

Juanice Tullos

January 14, 2014

The days of laughing, the days filled with tears over our crazy families, the sticky hot summer days sweating, and even the few cold days we have had could not have been spent with a better friend. I love you friend and will miss you each and every day!

Linda Groen

January 14, 2014

Cher made Hilton Head a more beautiful place. She was wonderful. I will deeply miss my friend.

Sallie Follansbee Dunning

January 14, 2014

What a heartbreak to lose Cherie so soon. Though I haven't seen her since our last reunion, I can picture her radiant smile as if it were yesterday. That's what I'll hold in my heart and prayers, along with you Grad and your children.

January 14, 2014

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your loving wife. I know she will be well missed by all the friends lives she has touched. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the joyous times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God gives us the strength we need to go forward 2Corinthians 4:7.

Peter Wiggins

January 13, 2014

My condolences to Girardi and family, and to all who knew and loved Cheryl. Though a newcomer to Mamaroneck in my senior year she always included this stranger with a welcoming smile. She loved life and loved her friends. We have lost another great spirit but she remains in many hearts and minds. God Bless her and all of you, keep you strong in sorrow.

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