Cheryl Howard

Cheryl A. Howard, 72, of Branchville passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2023 with her family at her side. Cheryl grew up in Orange, NJ and graduated East Orange Catholic High School in 1969. She worked as a Phlebotomist at St. Clare’s Hospital and St. Barnabas Hospital before retiring in 2018 from LabCorp.

Cheryl was known for her feisty, earthy demeanor, colorful language, good nature and warm heart. She cared deeply for those lucky enough to know her. She was a proud member of the Branchville community with many friends that she loved dearly. She was a member of the Branchville Historical Society, and an avid Sussex County Miners fan and follower.

Cheryl was predeceased by her husband, Gary Howard; her subsequent longtime fiancé, Jerry Van Gorden; her brother, Stephan P. Hardin of Sparta; her mother, Helen Hardin (Coury) Tintle; her stepfather, Howard “Jimmy” Tintle; and her father, Joseph Hardin. She is survived by her siblings, George R. Hardin and wife, Colleen, and Pamela N. Ortman and fiancé, Chris Lucier; her nephews, niece and their spouses, Stephen and Iris Hardin, Mark and Grace Hardin, Brian Hardin and fiancé, Kelly McManus, and Montana and Zach Willis; and her great-nephews and great-nieces, Henry, Max, Lily and Rosie.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023 and from 10 am to 11 am on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main St, Branchville, NJ. Interment will proceed from Wood Funeral Home on Friday following the visitation to be held thereafter in Branchville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cheryl’s memory to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.net.