Obituary of Cheryl Debra Deforest
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cheryl Debra Deforest, January 11, 2022 in Prince Albert, SK.
Cheryl was born in Tisdale, SK, June 14, 1957, the youngest of 5 siblings. She attended school in Prairie River and moved to Prince Albert to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Delphine & Wayne Melchert to complete high school at PACI. Following graduation, Cheryl attended U of S and Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in Toronto where she studied Urban Planning.
Cheryl had an interesting and varied career that included teaching, marketing, programming, coordinating and managing in various locations in Saskatchewan, Alberta and the North West Territories. She was adventurous and courageous, jumping in her car and driving to NWT alone to pursue a new and exciting career that took her to Fort Smith and eventually to Yellowknife where she lived for many years.
The past 5 years saw Cheryl move back to Prince Albert to help care for her Mom and to be closer to her family. We are eternally grateful for the time we had to spend with Cheryl during these last 5 years where she joined us for so many family gatherings and celebrations. Cheryl was especially interested in following the lives of her nieces and nephews and their families and was, of course, a favorite “Auntie”!
Cheryl’s passion was travel, she was a world traveler and loved exploring new frontiers and meeting people of all cultures. She made friends readily and was a loyal and fun-loving companion. She was also an amazing cook and baker. We always looked forward to her contributions to our family dinners, especially her famous “creamsicle cheesecake”.
Cheryl met life’s challenges with incredible strength and resilience. When she experienced renal failure, she became a patient advocate on a provincial panel and spoke on behalf of others experiencing dialysis. We are grateful to the medical team in the Renal Unit at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert for their care and attention to Cheryl over the past 3 years.
Cheryl is survived by brothers Arnold Deforest, Ronald Deforest and Jerrald Deforest; sister and brother-in-law Delphine & Wayne Melchert; nieces and nephews, Calvin & Pam Deforest and family, Jacqueline & Brent Johnson and family, Donald Deforest and family, Darlene & Perry Karimi and family, Veronica & Bryan Dierich and family, Patricia and Gerry Brige and family, Abraham Deforest, Susan Deforest, Derek Melchert and Ruth O’Carroll, Chad and Colleen Melchert and family; as well as many cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Madeline Deforest; sisters-in-law, Vera Deforest, Eva Deforest and Betty Deforest; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cheryl leaves behind so many friends and acquaintances who were touched by her life. She left a lasting impression and so many memories! We are grateful to everyone that has reached out to us to express how much Cheryl meant to them and how much they will miss her!
There will be a “Come & Go” Celebration of Cheryl’s life on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Beau “Lac” Funeral, 300B 300 Marquis Road West, Prince Albert, SK. We look forward to welcoming Cheryl’s friends and associates for a visit and a chance to reminisce and remember her life and all that she meant to so many!
Interment and Family Service will be held later in the summer in Prairie River, SK. Date to be announced.
Donations can be made in Cheryl’s honor to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, Renal Unit, 1200 24th Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
