Cheryl McLeod

Cheryl Lynn McLeod, 44 years, of Nipigon, Ontario passed away peacefully, with her family by her side on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 after an inspiring and courageous battle with cancer. Cheryl was born in Simcoe, Ontario but moved to Nipigon as a child. Nipigon was her hometown where she built many treasured friendships, raised her children and touched the lives of all who knew her. Cheryl graduated from the University of Waterloo and returned home to work in a lab at Norampac. She went back to school to become a teacher and taught science for thirteen years at Nipigon Red Rock District High School. Cheryl was the torch bearer at the Relay for Life in June 2014. The pathway was lit up with dozens of luminaries from current and past students showing their support for an amazing teacher who made a difference to her students. Cheryl lived her life to the fullest. She brought laughter, joy and her unique sense of humour everywhere that she went. Throughout her life she always looked for the brighter side of any situation and encouraged others to find their ‘sunny disposition' when it seemed only she could. Cheryl was always up for an adventure; bringing her children to Disney, attending a concert or going on a road trip. She also felt great comfort in the simpler things of life like sitting on the beach at her sister's camp (her happy place), a day relaxing on her cozy chair or doing a puzzle at the table. Cheryl was an amazing mother, sister, aunt (Aunty Bum Bum), daughter and friend. Her children were everything to her. Cheryl always made sure to tell her loved ones how important they were to her. When faced with the reality of her illness she decided to create books for sister, nieces, children and best friend so that they could be constantly reminded of her and their importance in her life. Cheryl is survived by her three children Brooke, Kathleen and Jack, their fathers Mike and John, her mother Kathy McLeod of Nipigon, her sisters Karen (& Teddy) Watson of Nipigon, Lori (& George) Drazenovich of Thunder Bay, Ontario, nieces and nephew Paige (& Cory), Hailey, Cole and Aila, her lifetime friend Leslie Willan and her puppy Macy Dawn. Numerous other relatives also survive. Cremation has taken place. The funeral mass for Cheryl McLeod will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11 A.M. at the Church of the Annunciation with Father H. Augustynowicz officiating, assisted by the Rev. Mr. D. Dupuis. Interment will be at a later date. Friends so wishing may make donations to the Exceptional Cancer Care Program at T.B.R.H.S.C. Arrangements are in the care of Elliott Funeral Home Ltd., Nipigon. The family would like to thank the staff of the T.B.R.H.S.C., Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre for their professionalism and compassion; Dr. Dueck, Dr. Harris, Dr. Ramshander and Dr. Simpson for ensuring they explored all possible pathways and gave the best care possible; Dr. Darling and her team at Toronto General Hospital for believing in her and giving her hope to continue fighting; friends and family for well wishes, visits, meals and encouragement you gave along all parts of the journey, and to the staff at the N.D.M.H. for ensuring she was comfortable and could spend her last days at home.