Cheri Carroll, beloved wife, mother and daughter passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday Nov. 25, 2009. Her passing came at the end of a three year battle with cancer, a battle she fought just as she lived, with strength and grace.
Cheri was born on Oct. 11, 1959 and was the eldest of three children born to Jim and Connie Cross of Burbank, California. After graduating from Burroughs High School she attended Pierce College and California State University, Northridge. During this time she met her husband Matt while working her way through college at Dale's Grocery Store in Northridge.
Following college and her marriage to Matt in 1981, Cheri worked for 25 years as a registered nurse, specializing in pediatrics and neonatal intensive care. During her nursing career she had the opportunity to work at California Hospital and Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and finally Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Cheri was well known for her strong commitment to her young patients and calming demeanor, attributes that were greatly appreciated by her colleagues, patients and the parents of her patients.
Cheri moved to Ventura County in 1983 where she continued her nursing career while raising her two sons, Sean and Ryan. Cheri was a dedicated mother whose greatest joy came from actively participating in the many activities her sons enjoyed, particularly tennis, in which she enthusiastically involved the whole family. Cheri was also an avid sailor and greatly enjoyed the family's yearly sailing vacations in the Caribbean, introducing many family friends to the experience of sailing in paradise.
Cancer only strengthened Cheri passion for life and others. Never angry or complaining, she traveled extensively while at the same time participating in multiple clinical trials she acknowledged would likely only benefit those coming after her. Among Cheri's greatest gifts to family and friends was the example she set by living life to its fullest and trusting in the plan God has for each of us.
Cheri is survived by her husband Matt, sons Sean Carroll of Austin, TX and Ryan Carroll of Camarillo, parents Jim and Connie Cross of Burbank, brother Jeff Cross of Burbank , sister Julie Hermans of Camarillo and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 3 at Camarillo Community Church located at 1322 Las Posas Rd in Camarillo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 18, 2009
Julie, Matt and the Cross Family
I just now saw what has happened to Cheri. I am truly at a loss for words. My very deepest of condolences to you and the family. I was very saddened to hear this.
She will live on in the memories you all hold deep in your hearts.
I am very sorry.
Jeff Hutchison
December 18, 2009
Matt, Julie and the Cross Family
I just now saw what has happened to Cheri. I am truly at a loss for words. My very deepest of condolences to you and the family. I was very saddened to hear this.
She will live on in the memories you all hold deep in your hearts.
I am very sorry.
Jeff Hutchison
Angie Lavey
December 9, 2009
Matt,
I just learned about your loss. I never met your wife but I heard that she was a beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
God Bless you all.
Jane Mahnken
December 9, 2009
Matt--I was recently told of your loss by some of the employees with whom I remain close--even though I haven't spoken to you in the 7 yrs since my retirement, I remember how complimentary you always were of your wife (and your sons as well). Please accept my sympathy. As believers, we know that we will be together again and I hope that brings you comfot.
Cathy Maras
December 8, 2009
Dear Matt & Family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheri is now an angel in heaven smiling down on us.
God Bless you.
Brian & Joanne Lind
December 7, 2009
Dear Matt, Sean & Ryan,
We just learned of Cheri's passing and our heartfelt sympathy to you and the family. She was a dear friend and we will be eternally grateful for the loving and attentive care she gave to Eric during his hospital stay as a baby with menningitis. We truly believe he pulled through because of prayer and the special care she gave to him throughout his stay. God bless you all!
Megan Hamlin
December 6, 2009
Matt, Ryan & Sean,
Your family holds a very special place in our hearts. We love you guys very much. Ryan & Sean...your mother was such a great example & taught me so much in the few year I was blesses to know her. Thank you for sharing her with us. Matt...the past 3 years of bible study have been amazing. We all have learned so much from you and Cheri. Thank you! Cheri will be missed.
Love, Megan
Darlene Jones
December 6, 2009
To the Carroll Family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Cheri was a brave and beauitful lady. May God bless you and your boys during this time of loss.
December 4, 2009
To the Cross Family,We send you our very sincere sympathy. She has been in our prayers and now she is resting with God.
Dawn and Dale Punter, Palmdale, Ca
Carol & Richard Ortiz
December 4, 2009
To the Cross and Carroll Families,
Please accept our most sincere sympathy at the loss of your wonderful Cheri. She lived her life well.
God Bless all of you.
December 4, 2009
To the Cross Family, Matt & Sons,
Back in 1976, we met Cheri for the first time while on a trip to California. Only in recent years, after close communication with Connie, Cheri's mom, did I feel a connection to her. Especially while she was bravely fighting her cancer. What a true soldier for Christ she was. We'll look forward to meeting up with her again, in heaven. She'll be pain free. With all our deepest sympathy and love,
Bill & Norma Burton (Topeka, KS)
Jon & Sue Thomas
December 4, 2009
.Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to your family. Cheri was such a brave and amazing woman.
Denise Figueroa
December 4, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all the family members.
Cheri is my Hero.
Her smile will never be forgotten in my minds eye.
I had the joy and pleasure of being a childhood friend in Brownies and Girl Scouts in Burbank, CA, where her mother Connie was one of our Troop Leaders.
Although through the years we lost contact, I have never forgotten her beautiful smile and lovely positive voice.
For that I am forever grateful in having known her.
Peace to you all in this time of great sorrow.
In remembrance of Cheri--Hers was a life well lived. Bravo!
Suzi Sandoval
December 3, 2009
Matt and Family-
I was blessed with sharing friendship with someone as wonderful as Cheri. We first worked together at Cottage and then at CMH, so our friendship has lasted many years. I will cherish it always. Although we didn't see each other often, it was always a joy to run into each other. I will always remember seeing her on her long walks with Sydney. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
December 3, 2009
Matt,
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Benjie Hernandez
Steve Jennings
December 3, 2009
Matt and the boys,
please accept my heart felt sorrow for your loss. Cheri was a joy to be around and all at MIX will miss her.
you are in my prayers and thoughts.
December 3, 2009
Matt and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts as you go through this difficult time. May the love of those around you comfort you in the days ahead.
With Sympathy,
Supervisor John C. Zaragoza & Staff
Susan Lapes
December 3, 2009
Matt,
Please accept my sincerest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Patricia Wagner
December 3, 2009
Matt and Sons,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Cheri. What a beautiful lady she was. It was an honor to be in here presence.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. If I can help you through this difficult period, please feel free to let me know.
Most Sincerely,
Pat Wagner
County of Monterey
Dan Jordan
December 3, 2009
Matt & family, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cheryl Gilbert
December 3, 2009
Lowry and I first met Cheri at the VCCU waiting to have our family pictures taken in 1990. Then I met her again at an ISD/PR event at Verns house. I remember beauty and charm and such a glow from Cheri then. I know your hearts are aching, you will always have Cheri in your memories and especially your dreams!
Sandy Hamlin
December 3, 2009
Matt and family
May God bless you with HIS peace during this trying time. Cheri was an amazing woman and is now in the arms of God.
Love, Sandy & Jeff Hamlin
December 3, 2009
Carroll Family,
My deepest condolences at your loss. I only wish there was more I could say that would ease your pain during this trying time. Based on the kind words I read above, it is clear that Cheri had a positive impact on all of those she touched. Remember the good times and know that there are lots of us praying for all of you.
Guy Savage (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Toni Webster
December 3, 2009
Just to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers;trusting in the Lord's love and giving thanksgiving for all of those memories is His blessing and grace. With sympathy,
Toni Webster
December 3, 2009
Matt, Please accept my heartfelt condolences your loss. Family and friends can be the best support at a time like this. I hope you have many of them around you. Sincerely, Gary Spriggs, Nevada County
Michael Armstrong
December 3, 2009
Matt -
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember meeting Cheri in Williamsburg years ago. My thoughts are with you today.
Hap Cluff
December 3, 2009
My warmest regards.
Anestos Family
December 3, 2009
Carroll Family-
I'm so sorry for your loss. Matt, if there is anything I can do for you and your family do not hesitate to ask.
Jacqueline Nilius
December 3, 2009
Matt and family,
I was sorry to hear of your loss, and while I didn't know Cheri, Matt I share your grief. I also lost my husband Allen in July after a 3 1/2 year battle with cancer. Always know with love come memories, with memories come laughter. My best to you and your family.
Jackie Nilius, IT Director El Dorado County
Ryan Hamlin
December 3, 2009
Matt, Sean and Ryan,
I thank God everyday for bringing your family into our lives. We have been blessed by our relationship with all of you.
Matt,you have displayed a love and strength for your wife and family over the past three years that can't be duplicated. I have been blessed to watch you and Cheri grow together in your relationship with Christ over the past three years. Our bible study will never be the same without Cheri.
Cheri,we love you and look forward to the day when we can dance with you in the streets of heaven!!!
Megan and I love all of you and we will continue to lift you up in our prayers. May God bless you!!!
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind, and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and he will make your paths straight."
December 3, 2009
Matt: So sorry to hear about Cheri. My thoughts are with you and your boys in this difficult time. Steve Ferguson
Bill Ryan
December 3, 2009
Matt and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Cheri. She was a true GEM of a person. You have my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Greg Stoddard
December 3, 2009
Matt, I am so very sorry to hear of Cheri's passing. I only knew her to say "hi", but after reading the above, she was obviously a caring and selfless person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and you Family. Take care.
Gregg Jacob
December 3, 2009
Dear Matt,
You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you all the graces you need for support at this time of great loss. And may He reward Cheri with blessings and eternal peace.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss,
December 3, 2009
Matt and familiy
My deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Cheri. May your memories be eternal.
Ann Strine, IT, City of Tucson, MIX
December 3, 2009
Dear Matt,
You and your sons are in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Please accept our sincere condolences,
The Rainey's
Ken Keen
December 3, 2009
Matt: I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is far greater than you imagined, and that you've really been mourning for years. God bless you, my friend!
Martin Buscombe
December 3, 2009
Dear Matt,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Cheri's death. Please accept my deepest symathy for your loss. She was a wonderful woman and it was my pleasure to have known her through you.
Martin
Lib Wanner
December 3, 2009
Matt, please know that you and you family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. It was such a pleasure to see the joy that you and Cherie took in one another and I hope you will find comfort in knowing that the love you shared will transcend this place and time.
December 3, 2009
Matt and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about Cheri. She was a true GEM and I am privlaged to have known her. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you all. May GOD bless you all.
Bill Ryan (your MIX Brother from Maryland) Ellicott City, MD
Moustapha Abou-Samra, M.D.
December 3, 2009
Dear Matt Sean and Ryan:
I first met Cheri at VCMC shortly after I started my neurosurgical practice in Ventura. I found her to be an exceptionally good nurse and she quickly became a trusted colleague. I remember having had several discussions with her about you, Ryan and Sean, and having compared notes as we discussed my own children, who are about the same age, and their involvement in various activities, etc.
I also worked with Cheri at CMH and continued to admire her as the personification of what a nurse should be.
Cheri has left this world a better place and countless patients and friends are better off having known her or having been cared by her.
Please accept my deepest Sympathy,
Jerry Pinkard
December 3, 2009
Matt,
I am very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. She sounds like a great lady and any nurse caring for small children gets a gold star from me. My prayers are with you and your sons in this difficult time. May God bless you,
Jack Pond
December 2, 2009
Matt, the world is a far better place from having such a warm, wonderful, and caring person as Cheri. But today, smaller and sadder with her loss.
Steve Reneker
December 2, 2009
Matt,
Lindy & I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please do not hestitate to ask.
With our deepest sympathy.
The Reneker's
Glenn Corbett
December 2, 2009
I am deeply upset by everybody's loss. I feel honored to have known her. I will never forget walking her to and home from elementary school, realizing way back then that she was a very special person. She has touched so many lives in a positive way and lived in a way everybody loved.
diana belden
December 2, 2009
dear Matt,Sean and Ryan, I worked with
cheri at community memorial in the nicu. She was a great person to work with, I also enjoyed our conversations, what struck me the most was her quick smile, it was never very far away.I'll miss her so much
Diana Belden
Phillip Mollinedo
December 2, 2009
Matt and Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Cheri,s
illness 3 years ago.In that time Jeff has kept me updated on her condition and activities.Even though I had not seen Cheri for a while her quest to enjoy every day to the fullest inspires me to live life and appreciate friends and family.God bless you and your family and may Cheri's spirit live in us all.
Tom Massa
December 2, 2009
Matt,
My deepest sympathies.
December 2, 2009
Dear Matt and family,
Debbie and I send you our kindest thoughts and prayers for you and Cheri. We have fond memories of our dinners with our "pilot's group", as well as lunches after flying together at Camarillo Airport. You lived a full life together and she was an inspiration to all who knew her. We are profoundly saddened at this time but are confident her memory will live on in all who had the pleasure of her friendship and love.
Robin and Debbie Martin, Calabasas, CA.
Rebecca Macias
December 2, 2009
Dear Matt and family,
Cheri was a pleasure to work with,she treated her "littlest" patients and thier families with such endearing compassion. I know I tell you what you already know, when I say what an inspirational example she set during her battle. In fact the last time I saw her was at CMH- she asked how my family was doing. Not one complaint or negative thought came from her. Trully remarkable. Please know that she will be missed by many at CMH NICU unit.
Jeff & Vicki Williams
December 2, 2009
We will miss Cheri very much. The times that we spent with Cheri and Matt are very dear to us. We never took a year off with our Christmas photos and I feel as if I saw Sean & Ryan grow up through these photos. Our sincere condolences to Matt and the boys. She was a special person and will never be forgotten by us.
Paul Grossgold
December 2, 2009
With deepest sympathy of your loss. May you and your wonderful family know no further sorrow.
Paul & Margaret Grossgold
Bill and Ingrid Goldie
December 2, 2009
Cheri was an extraordinary nurse, exceptional mother and devoted wife. We first met her and her family 18 years ago playing tennis at Cabrillo. Ingrid remembers well winning a tournament with Sean Carroll, and then watching the young Bryan twins practice with their dad. Cheri will remain in our memories in many positive ways. She was blessed and is still blessed.
Walker and Nancy Mangum
December 2, 2009
Nancy and I first met Matt and Cheri two years ago on a tiny island in the Caribbean. They made a very powerful impression on us as a couple deeply in love with each other. Even though Cheri was undergoing treatment at the time, she had a zest for life that we seldom see.
We dearly hoped to see Cheri again. Sadly, we did not. Even so, we have often spoken fondly about her over the past two years, and she will forever be in our memories.
She was truly a gem.
Our deepest sympathy to Matt, Sean, Ryan, Cheri's parents and family, and all others whose lives she touched.
December 1, 2009
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your wonderful Cheri. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Theresa and Werner Holzwarth
December 1, 2009
My heart goes out to the family and all who knew and loved Cheri.
Jenny Hampton
December 1, 2009
Cheri will always be in our hearts never forgotten... I know there are no words to make you feel better at this very hard time but i hope that knowing we all love you and are here for you will make it a little easier at this time . Keeping Cheri in our hearts and in our prays will always keep her alive !!!! I love u Cheri you may be gone but you will never be forgotten !!!
Jenny Hampton
December 1, 2009
Cheri will always be in our hearts never forgotten ... No words can express the loss , the pain but i know time goes by the pain gets easier ! Keep the wonderful memories alive ! WE LOVE U CHERI ALWAYS N FOREVER !!!
Danyiel Callaghan
December 1, 2009
We will surely miss Cheri. We are so thankful to have shared so many wonderful memories with her over the years and especially these last 3 MIRACLE years. She lived it with such courage, dignity and selflessness. It is an honor to call her friend. We love you Cheri.
Larry Matheney
December 1, 2009
Matt and family,
I pray that the peace that comes only from God washes fully over you. May He send His angels among us to give comfort to your aching hearts.
Bless you all.
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