Cheryl Ann Balukonis

BALUKONIS, Cheryl Ann. Of Jamaica Plain, formerly of Allston, died February 13, 2022. Born on February 23, 1946 in Cambridge to the late William J. Balukonis and Georgiana B. (Antonelli) Balukonis. Cheryl graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Cardinal Cushing College. She later studied at the Boston Conservatory, the New England Conservatory, and the Harvard Extension School. Cheryl was a retired Senior Cultural Program Officer for the Massachusetts Cultural Council after over 30 years of service. She was involved in the Big Sister Association, and received the Big Sister Recognition Award. She volunteered at the Arnold Arboretum as a guide and was involved with the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Program for Arts Managers. At one point, she was proudly named "Who's Who of American Women". She was an avid traveler, visiting England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Monaco, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, to name a few. But one of her most cherished callings, was as a music composer. She certainly lived life to the fullest, and made a difference along the way. She was a loving sister of Patricia J. Brett and her husband James T. Brett of Dorchester, and the late Steven G. Balukonis. Cheryl is also survived by two aunts and many cousins. A private committal service and interment, with her late parents, was held at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury.