Cheryl Darice Finnell Stark

Cheryl Darice Stark, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Cheryl was born on July 14, 1953, in Long Beach, California to Shirley Elizabeth Turner Finnell and George Edwin Finnell.

Cheryl’s early years were spent growing up in the town of Torrance, California where she shared a close bond with her sisters, April Kveton and Terry Lauten. Due to her family’s move, she finished high school in Houston, TX and then attended the University of Houston, laying the foundation for a life devoted to education and family.

In 1974, she married Peter Stark, and together they raised two daughters, Jessica Donlin and Aimee Stark LaPorte, during their 23 year marriage. Cheryl and Peter divorced in 1997.

Cheryl dedicated 27 years of her life to the education of children, spending most of her career in the Katy Independent School District at Sundown Elementary. Her passion for teaching left a lasting impact on the countless students she guided, and she made many lifelong friends among her colleagues. Cheryl cherished the opportunity to read aloud in her classroom, sharing her love of books and the magic of stories with her students.

Above all, Cheryl’s greatest pride and joy were her two daughters. As a mother, she was both nurturing and fierce, always putting her family first. Despite the challenges she faced, including her divorce, Cheryl never wavered in her commitment to her daughters, ensuring they grew up with the confidence to chase their dreams and the heart to help those in need. Her ability to balance strength with tenderness was one of her many remarkable qualities.

During her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and planning holiday parties for them. Cheryl never missed an opportunity to dress her 5 grandchildren up in matching outfits for a photo opportunity.

Her final days were spent under the care of her two loving daughters, both of whom were honored to be at her side during her final moments.

Cheryl is survived by her beloved daughters Jessica and husband Brendan of Cypress, Tx; Aimee and husband Hayden of Cypress, Tx; and her five grandchildren: Ella Lene Donlin, Colin Patrick Donlin, Elissa Grace Donlin, Milah Anne LaPorte, and Benjamin Michael LaPorte.

Cheryl’s legacy of love, learning, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A private funeral service will be conducted at Memorial Oaks on Monday, November 25th, providing an opportunity for her family to celebrate Cheryl’s life and bid her a loving farewell.