Cheryl Mancini

Cheryl had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. She was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on March 7, 1959, Cheryl showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Cheryl came into this world at Morton Hospital in Taunton, Massachusetts. Her parents were Charles and Carol Lacerda. Cheryl was raised in Taunton, Massachusetts.

She was raised with one sibling, an older sister, Charlene.

Cheryl was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Cheryl had a number of interests in her youth and was an active child. She took part in baseball and bowling, and was a girl scout. In her spare time she liked to play sports, and was very athletic. Cheryl's memorable achievements included Honors.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Cheryl was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Taunton High School in 1977. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

She earned her Associates Degree from Newbury College, New Bedford, Massachusetts and graduated Cum Laude.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Cheryl was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Cheryl, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Cheryl enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. While growing up some of her best friends were Donna Amaral and Karen Wallace. Later in life, she became friends with fellow employees at Texas Instruments, Children Therapy Associates, and Bashaw Elementary. Other friends include neighbors Joy and Kelley, Kevin and Shawn, the camping crew and her friends from her hometown of Taunton. There were many friends too numerous to mention.

Cheryl was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On August 25, 2000 Cheryl exchanged wedding vows with John James Mancini on the beach at Martha's Vinyard, Massachusetts.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Cheryl was able to bond with her children and the children she worked with. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Cheryl was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Cheryl was blessed with three children, two sons, Garrett and John, and one daughter, Evangelina.

Cheryl projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. Cheryl could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. Her primary occupation was a physical therapy assistant. She was employed for 25 years at Texas Instruments in Attleboro, Massachusetts and recently Bashaw Elementary School.

Her favorite pursuits were time with family and raising her children.

Cheryl was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life, and that carried over to her participation in sports as well. Her sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from her teammates. Recreational sports included golf, bowling, exercise and softball.

Cheryl was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels for the last 5 years.

Cheryl was detailed oriented and enjoyed planning camping trips with family. She especially enjoyed trips far from home to New England.

Cheryl was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Cheryl's favorites was Copper, a boxer dog. They were best friends for 6 years.

Cheryl and her family relocted to Florida 6 years ago, and she made it her home.

Cheryl passed away on October 12, 2011 at Tidewell Hospice House, Sarasota, Florida. Cheryl battled lung cancer for 9 months. She is survived by her husband, John; her sons. John and Garrett; her daughter, Evangeline; her parents, Charles and Carol Lacerda; her sister, Charlene Rebello. Services were held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Cheryl was laid to rest in Palms-Robarts Memorial Park, Sarasota, Florida.

Though she could be a private person at times, Cheryl was always able and willing to give of herself. Cheryl Mancini shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Cheryl for the strength of her convictions.