Cheryl A Leech

Cheryl Leech, 73, of New Milford, CT passed away January 3, 2024 surrounded by family. She was born on November 6, 1950 in McKeesport, PA to the late Michael and Helen Oleyar (nee Tolley). Cheryl was a very kind individual who touched the lives of those around her.

Cheryl is survived by her loving daughter, Melissa Zaldo and her husband Darren, of Bethany, CT; her cherished grandson, Jackson Zaldo of Bethany, CT and her step-grandsons: Daniel Zaldo of Bethany, CT, Ben Zaldo and Alex Zaldo both of Orange, CT. She is also survived by her brothers Bill (Janine) Oleyar of White Oak, PA and Mike (Valerie) Oleyar of Grapevine, TX as well as her long time partner Rich Peterson of New Milford, CT and his daughters Anna (Chris Milczarski) Peterson of New Milford, CT and Ingrid (Glover) Teixeira of Danbury, CT as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cheryl attended McKeesport Area High School, where she laid the foundation for future endeavors. After moving to Connecticut in 1985, she later embarked on a career at Kimberly Clark, from where she eventually retired after working as a data entry specialist.

Cheryl was a very devoted mother and loved being a grandmother to Jackson. She loved to spend as much time with Jackson as she could cheering him on at his football games.

In her free time, Cheryl indulged in her love for reading, particularly novels by Steven King. She found solace and enjoyment in the captivating stories and imaginative worlds created by her favorite author. She had a particular fondness of collecting all of his work in hardcover books.

In memory of Cheryl, donations can be made to Vitas Healthcare or The Village of Brookfield Commons. Cheryl's family is very grateful to both of these organizations for the excellent care that they provided at the end of her life.

Family and friends will be received at a memorial service honoring the life of Cheryl on January 13, 2024 at 2pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 210 Church St, Naugatuck CT (GPS setting, 95 Meadow Street). Internment of her ashes will occur at a future date at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park in Irwin, PA.

Cheryl will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, gentle nature and sense of humor will forever be remembered by all those who knew her. May she rest in peace.