Cheryl Ann Cochran

Cheryl Ann Cochran passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 11th, 2023, in her 78th year. Cheryl is survived by her daughter Monica (Kurt), son Norris (Lesley), and brother Chuck (Mary). She also loved and is loved by her grandchildren Maya (20), Aidan (20), Bree (18), and Evie (17), brothers in law Charlie (Gina), Nate, and Ben, sister in law Mary Beth, and many dear nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. In addition to family, Cheryl treasured the meaningful friendships she made with neighbors and at church in Virginia and her longtime California friends across the state. In her final years, she also bonded with caregivers at Cherrydale Health and Rehabilitation, who all referred to her fondly as CC, the nickname given to her by her grandchildren.

Cheryl started her three decades long teaching career in the early years of the Head Start program and went on to instruct and care deeply for hundreds of kindergarten and first grade students.

The child of Schuyler and Katheryn Donnel (both deceased), Cheryl was born and raised in Colton, California. Cheryl met her husband Nick at San Diego State University and also worked and lived in Three Rivers and San Luis Obispo before retiring to San Diego, California. She later moved to Virginia where she lived in Falls Church and Arlington.

Cheryl traveled to Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere and treasured most her trip to the Middle East with members of her church in San Diego. She loved to learn, laugh, and most of all connect with others. Cheryl made friends easily and loved staying in touch with friends and family in person, by phone, and through written correspondence.

Cheryl had a strong and active love for God. A service of celebration of Cheryl will be held in person and online from Little Falls Presbyterian Church in Arlington at 1:00p EST (10:00a PST) on Saturday, January 28th. Cheryl maintained her California sense of style and we encourage you to dress as you wish, including in bright colors.

Cheryl loved to spend time at the ocean and had a heart for children, the homeless, and those struggling with mental illness.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 28, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Little Falls Presbyterian Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA, 22207. The memorial service can also be viewed by live stream at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E1SgSCLo00

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution to honor Cheryl, please consider donations to Path Forward in Arlington, Virginia, (https://pathforwardva.org/give/donate/) or to a charity of your choosing.