Cheryl Anne Larsen

Cheryl Anne Larsen of West Tisbury, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. She was 66. Cheryl was born September 6, 1956 in Fall River, MA to Constance (Gendreau) Kuttner of Westport, MA and Robert Kuttner of Portsmouth, RI.

Having spent most of her childhood in Westport, Cheryl moved to the island of Martha’s Vineyard where she started her family while living in the fishing village of Menemsha and in the quaint town center of Beetlebung Corner in Chilmark. In time she built her beloved home along the West Tisbury State Forest constructed of posts and beams milled out of island trees.

Later in life Cheryl pursued her dream of attaining her Master’s Degree in mathematics education. Despite the challenge, she attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth while commuting off of the island, working two jobs, and still raising her three children. A feminist at heart, she was the first woman in her family to obtain an advanced degree. She will be remembered by many students as a dedicated teacher at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and junior high schools both on and off the Island.

Only next to her family was Cheryl’s love of animals of every kind. She would laugh reminiscing about the variety of pets she had in her earlier days including a pet skunk. She absolutely adored her dogs and cats and often referred to her numerous adopted pets as being part of a small animal rescue effort and shelter of her own.

Cheryl’s smile, laughter, sense of humor, and independent self-driven spirit will always live in our hearts.

She is survived by her children Tanya Larsen of Martha’s Vineyard, Erik Larsen, his partner Kristin Smith and their children Sophie and Nils Larsen of Mattapoisett, MA; Nathan Larsen of Littleton, NH; Brothers Michael Kuttner, Stephen Kuttner and wife Lisa; and nieces Taylor, Lexi, and Aubree.

A celebration of Cheryl’s life and legacy will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Cheryl’s name to a humanitarian or animal rights non-profit of your choice.