Cheyanne Patterson

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Cheyanne Eliza Patterson, beloved daughter, wife, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and friend, who left this world far too soon on March 17, 2025. She was 29 years old.

Born on October 10, 1995, in Willingboro, New Jersey, Cheyanne brought light into every room she entered. A woman of strength, grace, passion, and endless compassion, she lived a life full of meaning, purpose, and love.

Cheyanne's academic journey was a testament to her insatiable curiosity and dedication to learning. She attended Pemberton Township High School in New Jersey and Cordova High School in Tennessee, where she earned her high school diploma. Her pursuit of knowledge continued at the University of Massachusetts, where she earned dual degrees; a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and Bachelor of Arts in History. She also completed minors in Women's and Gender Studies and Religious Studies. Cheyanne later achieved a Master of Science degree in Computational and Integrative Biology from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

In October 2024, Cheyanne married the love of her life, Riordan McCole. Their marriage was the culmination of an eight-year partnership built on mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support. Their bond was one of rare depth-a beautiful connection that enriched the lives of all who witnessed it.

Cheyanne had a heart for others-always ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, or words of encouragement. Her laughter was contagious; her hugs were healing; her presence was a blessing. Whether through her academic achievements, quiet acts of kindness, or simply the way she made people feel seen and loved, Cheyanne left a legacy that will endure.

A gifted vocalist with a lifelong love for theater-especially musical theater-Cheyanne found joy and inspiration under the spotlight. Performing brought her to life in ways that touched everyone around her. She embraced roles with passion and creativity, bringing characters to vivid life on stage. Among her favorite roles were Kate Monster in *Avenue Q*, Rapunzel and Cinderella (respectively) in *Into the Woods*, Marty Maraschino in *Grease*, and Inga in *Young Frankenstein*. Whether performing or supporting friends in local productions, theater was not just a pastime for Cheyanne-it was a treasured part of her identity.

Cheyanne also had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. She explored many destinations across the United States and abroad-from Costa Rica to Curacao, Puerto Rico to Colorado-and had plans to visit the Azores in Portugal and London before her passing.

Cheyanne is survived by her devoted husband, Riordan McCole; her loving mother, Kathy Earley-Patterson; her cherished siblings: Darryl Patterson Jr., Rakia Earley-Melon (and brother-in-law John John Melon), Candice Parker, and Josephine Fox; her beloved grandmother Teresinha Earley; her aunt Theresa Earley-Jacks; her uncle Danny Earley; her adored nieces and nephews; and her father Darryl Patterson. She leaves behind many other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, and chosen family-all of whom were touched by her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit.

True to her generous nature and commitment to helping others even beyond this life, Cheyanne donated her body to science at Brown University in Rhode Island-a final act of compassion that reflects the essence of who she was.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the beautiful memories she gave us and the immeasurable love she poured into every relationship. Cheyanne will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

A Memorial Mass will be held on July 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Ann's Church 22 Trenton Rd. Browns Mills, NJ

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following as they were all causes near and dear to Cheyanne's heart:



Local Community Theater Organization: (in direct support of one of Cheyanne's passions and organization she was a part of) https://www.stellarstudiostheater.com/cheyanne

Rainforest & Turtle Coservation in Costa Rica: (Cheyanne was a volunteer for this effort, spring of 2018)

https://www.gvi.org/o/rainforest-turtle-conservation-in-costa-rica

Women in STEM: (Cheyanne was a big advocate for women within the STEM field)

https://stemforher.org/donate/

https://womeninstem.org/donate

There will be a Celebration of Life for Cheyanne hosted by family and friends to come in the fall of 2025, date TBD