Cheryl Ann Tokke

Dr. Cheryl Ann Tokke, 63, of Ossining, NY, passed away from cancer on November 25, 2025.

She was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta in 1961. It was her dream since she was seven years old to be a teacher. As a young adult she moved to Edmonton, Alberta and worked as an office manager in the medical field. She attended Western Pentecostal Bible College (today Summit Pacific) in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She served as a children’s minister at Richmond Tabernacle where she met Hans.

They were married in 1988 and had two sons, Justin (the smarter one) in 1990 and Graydon (the more handsome one) in 1993.

Together Cheryl and Hans pioneered several inner-city children’s programs at Broadway Church in Vancouver, British Columbia. At its peak, she managed over 600 children of all ages. In 2000 the Tokke family moved to New York City to pursue inner-city ministry. Cheryl also worked as an event planner at the United Nations.

After 9/11, both Hans and Cheryl went back to college, earning their doctorates. Cheryl graduated from Eastern University with a PhD in organizational leadership. She became a tenured faculty member of Queensborough Community College, of the City University of New York, teaching in the Business Department. She realized her lifelong dream of being a teacher. She loved her students and

taught with passion and expertise.

After fighting cancer for a year, it was her final joy to return to the classroom once again in September 2025. She embodied her motto to “finish well.” She will be lovingly missed by her many students, colleagues and friends across Western Canada, New York City, and elsewhere.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 37 years Hans; sons Justin (Tessa) and Graydon (Isabelle); siblings Brenda, Leann, and Doug; grandson James; and beagle Bella.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2pm at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Briarcliff Manor, NY. A tea reception will follow in the parish hall. Rev. Jessie Turnier and Rev. Dr. David Wells will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cheryl’s life. In lieu of flowers,

please send donations to All Saints’ Church to continue their essential ministries in the community (https://onrealm.org/AllSaintsBriarcliff/Give)