OAKLAND – Our sweet daughter and loving sister, Cheri M. Ronan, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Nov. 20, 2022 with her parents, Sue and Dave, by her side. Cheri’s health started to decline in April of 2020.

She was born at Seton Hospital in Waterville on May 5, 1975. Cheri grew up in Oakland, attended local schools, and graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1995. She was a HUGE sports enthusiast. She participated in the Special Olympics for many years and received numerous gold, silver and bronze medals. During her earlier years, she participated in the local T-Ball program and loved shooting hoops.

Cheri loved the Red Sox and the Patriots, especially Tom Brady. She enjoyed going to the movies and doing errands around town with Mom. When not with Mom, Cheri was watching football and baseball games with Dad. Going to Fenway Park in Boston and JetBlue Park for Spring Training in Fort Myers, Fla., was always extremely exciting for Cheri. She always looked forward to going to the University of Maine hockey games while her brother attended college there.

For 29 years, Cheri attended Pine Tree Camp on North Pond in Rome as one of her favorite activities every summer. Cheri enjoyed riding her bike around the neighborhood and hanging out at Video Tyme. After high school graduation, she worked part-time at Hannaford Grocery Store, Governor’s Restaurant, and Mount St. Joseph’s nursing home in the laundry department for many years. Work for Cheri was always a big social event. She was truly a social butterfly who loved to tease everyone she came in contact with. Cheri’s personality is best described as “a character” to say the least.

Cheri traveled with Mom and Dad to such places as San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon. She enjoyed her annual March excursions to Aruba, St. Thomas and St. John in the Virgin Islands. When she was not flying to destinations, she enjoyed sitting in the front seat of the truck with Dad while we hauled the RV. Camping, fishing and boating were always an important part of her growing years. In recent years, she RV’ed to RainTree RV Resort in North Fort Myers, Fla. to spend the winter away from Maine. She was never fond of rain and snow. Cheri enjoyed the “Good Ole Rockin Roll” that Nashville, Tennessee had to offer. Other trips were made to Myrtle Beach, Pennsylvania Amish Country and the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, Canada. Other fun trips included Disney World, Harry Potter at Universal Studios, and riding in the police car where the Andy Griffeth show was filmed in Mayberry, N.C. Cheri loved animals, particularly her cat ‘Smokey’ who lived with us for nineteen years! When not traveling or working, Cheri loved attending special needs programs such as Families Matter and Skills in Waterville. She enjoyed going out to dinner with her friends from the programs once a week.

Cheri was predeceased by her grandparents Joseph and Viola Morin from Skowhegan and Lawrence and Jacqueline Ronan from Winslow. Cheri is survived by her parents David and Suzanne Ronan, Oakland; her brother Jonathan Ronan and his wife Alyza Burwood Ronan, niece Izabella and nephew Christopher, Waterville. She is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins throughout the United States and Canada.

There will be a Celebration of Cheri’s Life at Governor’s Restaurant in Waterville on Thursday, Dec. t, at 11 a.m. with lunch and beverages provided. Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Since sports was a meaningful part of Cheri’s life, we ask everyone who attends Cheri’s Celebration of Life to wear some type of sports memorabilia, such as a sports jersey of your favorite team or a team ball cap.

The Ronan Family would like to thank Assistance Plus and Judy Mann for providing home help care services with Sandra Tremblay, Katelyn Rancourt and Michelle Powell during the past few years. We especially want to thank June Marshall for her assistance in providing care of Cheri for many years.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Pine Tree Camp

114 Pine Tree Rd.

Rome, ME 04936

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