Helen Cherry

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Helen Cherry, who died peacefully at the age of 101 on January 15, 2026, in New Paltz, New York. A talented artist and illustrator of many beloved children's books, Helen was cherished by her family and the devoted staff at Woodland Pond. Helen knew her own mind and made the decision that it was time for her to take flight to the Great Beyond.

A brief graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Har Jehuda Cemetery, 8400 Lansdowne Avenue, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

Helen was born Helen Cogan on July 9, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Max and Bessie Cogan. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School, where she met her future husband, Herbert Cherry in French class. While he went off to World War 2, stationed in the Solomon Islands, Helen received a scholarship to attend the Philadelphia College of Art. Early in her career, she illustrated Jack and Jill magazine.

After the births of her daugher Lynne in 1952 and son Steven in 1953, Helen stepped back from professional illustration, though she never stopped painting. Her artistic pursuits were temporarily set aside as she devoted herself to raising her children and helping her husband run Cherry's Pharmacy in Ridley Park Pennsylvania. In 1961, shortly before the family moved to Nether Providence, Pennsylvania, her son Michael was born. In 1977, Herb transitioned to a career as a hospital pharmacist.

At the age of 50, Helen assembled a portfolio and boldy revived her illustration career by doing illustrations for Highlights Magazine. After inheriting her daughter Lynne's agent, she went on to illustrate 30 children's books, delighting generations of young readers with her artistry.

After Herb's retirement in 1993, Helen and Herb moved to Carlisle Pennsylvania, to be near their son Steven and his young family. 

They had shared 51 years of marriage when Herb passed away in 2000.

Helen later moved to Woodand Pond in New Paltz, New York to be closer to her son Michael and his family. There she spent her final years surrounded by care, affection and community.

Helen is survived by her three children, Lynne, Steven and Michael Cherry; five grandchildren, Jason, Lauren, Nicholas, Cameron and Ben Cherry; and one great grandchild, Gia Pandit-Cherry. As Helen used to often sing- "Life is just a bowl of cherries - don't take it serious, it's too mysterious. You work, you slave, you worry so, but you can't take it with when you go, go, go. Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live and laugh at it all."

Friends and family are invited to gather after the service at a local restaurant to celebrate Helen's remarkable life. Please let us know if you are able to join us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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