Ms. Cheryl Ann Garroway

Cheryl Ann Garroway was born on November 18, 1958 in Detroit Michigan. She was the only daughter of Betty Jean Garroway and Albert Stephenson; both preceded her in death. Cheryl was educated in the Detroit Public School System. On November 4, 2002, Cheryl’s life was drastically altered; she was severely injured when she was struck by a car. The medical prognosis for Cheryl was grim, she spent three months in a coma and her doctors said that she would never walk or talk again. However, the doctor’s did not know Cheryl; she was a fighter. At the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan she learned how to walk and talk again. In 2003, she moved into the Irvine Head Injury and Rehabilitation Center; it was here that she acquired a new home and family. While under the extraordinary care of the Irvine Staff and the watchful eye of her ever-present caregiver and cousin Gloria, Cheryl began to thrive. For the first time in her life, she was able to see the world and enjoy activities with her new extended family. She became known as a “mother hen” to new residents at Irvine. She also became an avid traveler, visiting Europe, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. Cheryl was notorious for her sleeping habits at Irvine earning the name Ms. Sleeping Bear. At home with Gloria, she was known to curl up in a recliner and take long naps. At Irvine, she was well known and loved and it wasn’t because of Gloria’s cakes that she shared with the staff and residents, although that certainly didn’t hurt her reputation. She was loved because she brought joy to so many people with her sharp sense of humor and nurturing ways. When she wasn’t nurturing people she nurtured animals; she was known for bringing home stray pets and finding them homes. Cheryl’s new life was filled with good music, good food, and recreational activities such as bowling, fishing and visiting the local casinos. Her family and friends at Irvine became Cheryl’s passion and delight. She loved to attend parties and events. Cheryl also liked spending money and would spend hours shopping with Gloria; sometimes they would leave the store with lots of bags or nothing at all. Cheryl enjoyed the experience either way. Cheryl’s accident, while horrific, gave her an opportunity to be reborn and experience life in a whole new way, but she was also plagued with many health challenges. In early 2013 she was diagnosed with cancer. On August 21, 2014 she passed away. She is survived by her loving guardian Gloria (who was like a mother to her); many close cousins; and a host of friends and acquaintances.

Ms. Cheryl Ann Garroway

November 18, 1958 - August 21, 2014