Cheryl Lynn (Costanza) Hubbard was born in Youngstown Ohio on 6 December 1967 to Blanche and John Costanza and was raised in Lowellville and Boardman, Ohio. Within a few years of her birth, her older brothers had moved to Washington DC and Los Angeles, respectively, and she became as an only child. Fortunately, her closest childhood and lifelong friend, Tom Conroy, lived across the street from her, when they were young. They played together nearly every day; he was her surrogate brother. He is still an integral part of the extended Costanza family. He is in seminary and could not be here today.
Cheryl graduated from Boardman High School in 1985. Cheryl worked as activities director for various charitable organizations; her work was often hands-on. She loved helping people, particularly those who were less fortunate. Her first husband was Jerry Pollack; although divorced, they have remained friends.
Throughout her life, Cheryl suffered many trials and tribulations. On Christmas Eve of 1991 an embolism went to her brain. Her attending physicians did not expect her to survive. After several brain and heart surgeries, 30 days on a ventilator, and 6 months in the hospital, she finally came home. She was a trooper and fought; first moving her fingers, then arms, then legs and finally walking. Her recovery time was measured in years. About 8 years ago she had a second heart valve replacement. As the years progressed, she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud’s, Sjogren’s and Lupus Syndromes. More recently, she had a defibrillator and pacemaker installed. Through all her tribulations, she remained bright-eyed and cheerful.
In 2018 Cheryl and her husband, Michael, started interacting on Facebook. They felt a strong connection and decided to meet in person. Michael came to Florida to meet Cheryl; needless to say they hit it off very well and Michael moved to Florida to be with Cheryl. They fell in love and moved in together. Since then, they’ve done everything as a couple. Cheryl and Michael were married on 21 September 2019. They were in love and very happy. From the beginning, Michael knew that Cheryl had a lot of health issues and supported her physically and emotionally. They spent a lot of time in doctors offices; it never dulled his love and devotion for her.
Cheryl gave of herself willingly through charitable organizations. She found a home with Clearwater Christian Women's Club. She loved the ladies there and often remarked about rejoining them when her health improved. She recently wrote a testimonial for “Guideposts” and the Cearwater Christians Women’s Club. Cheryl’s testimonial traces how God and her faith in Christ have repeatedly healed her and helped her rebound. Cheryl explains in the testimonial that, after some –and often much– resistance, she reached a point where she did not resist God’s plan for her life.
Cheryl was a loving and giving woman. Her good will and compassion were exemplified through her charitable work and her instinct to support, help, and especially to listen to others. Her lifelong compassion of animals culminated with her beloved Cassie. Cheryl’s smile and faith would brighten a room. She will be greatly missed.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
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