Cheryl Nina Anderson

Cheryl Nina (Johnson) Anderson passed peacefully March 16, 2024 at the age of 79.

Cheryl was born May 1, 1944 in Worcester, MA to Henry and Virginia Johnson, the oldest of 5 children. Her parents were her foundation. So many of Cheryl’s talents and skills were inspired by her mother whom she adored and missed every day. They both had a unique way of creating beauty in their homes and at their dinner tables with flowers, amazing food and beautiful décor. Cheryl loved to recall how her mother baked something everyday for she and her siblings when they got home from school. She always recognized how her mother paid special attention to small touches and emulated that throughout her life. One way that she did this was making her signature Swedish pancakes for her grandchildren. Cheryl also loved looking back on the week her parents spent at her house before Christmas to prepare for her annual Christmas Eve party to celebrate her father’s birthday that was a treasured event for the entire family.

She grew up surrounded by family raised in Worcester with her aunt and grandmother ever present in her life. She was an engaged student and a friend to all. Cheryl graduated from South High School in Worcester in 1962.

Cheryl leaves behind her husband of 60 years, David Carl Anderson. They met through Emmanuel Lutheran Church where they were both baptized, confirmed and married in 1964. Emmanuel remained a constant in their young lives. They were also long-time members of the Somers Congregational Church after moving to Connecticut to raise their family in 1975. Cheryl loved to volunteer every week at the Food Pantry, the annual strawberry luncheon, turkey suppers and tag sale among many other church endeavors. Cheryl had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing hymns with David, harmonizing together during service.

Cheryl was also known for singing “Suzy Snowflake” at family and neighborhood parties. They were fortunate to have a close neighborhood in Somers CT and enjoyed dinner parties, dances, bridge group and raising kids together. Cheryl was part of a group of friends endearingly called The Ginkoes who enjoyed trips each year to Martha’s Vineyard and excursions further north enjoying laughter and contested approaches on how to cook a turkey which made her smile each time she told that story.

Cape Cod was one of her favorite places in the world and for many years, they spent summers at their “Cape house” with her children, their friends, all their pets, and near to her parents. In her true spirit, she continually beautified this little home in every way. The hydrangea outside her deck brought her constant joy.

Cheryl and David explored the US, Bermuda, the Mediterranean and Europe on several business trips and vacations. She appreciated staying at bed and breakfasts and hotels with old world charm. They also cruised to Alaska and Europe but the most memorable trip for her was bringing her parents to Sweden in 1987 to visit the village where her father was born.

She followed her son Matthew to the beautiful community of Timber Pines in Spring Hill, FL for the last two years of her life where she joined the social committee for her neighborhood and made strong relationships. She quickly developed a reputation for being fun and dedicated to getting a job done. She was also able to spend a lot of time here with her eldest son Christopher while in Florida.

From the moment Cheryl was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, she had no fear nor expressed sadness. Her strong faith brought her grace and an ease in facing this journey. She was content to go Home with God but will be missed by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cheryl wished to be buried in Worcester at All Faiths Cemetery without a service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel Lutheran Church 200 Greenwood St, Worcester, MA 01607 or Somers Congregational Church 599 Main St, Somers, CT 06071 in her memory.