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Cheryl Lynn Maria Rodrigue DeJong

June 12, 2013

DeJongCherylLynnMaria_WEB062013

July 4, 1959 – June 12, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend Cheryl (nee MacDonald). She passed away peacefully at home in the care of her loving partner Bert Champ after a long hard 3 year battle with esophageal cancer.

Cheryl is predeceased by mother Josephine Materi, father Peter Materi and second husband Jack DeJong. Survived by partner Bert Champ and step-daughter April, first husband Tim Rodrigue and father of her children, Jeff (Shelly) Rodrigue, Colette (Brian) Watson, Miranda Rodrigue, grandchildren Madison, Chase, Hailey, and Hannah, brothers Basil, Peter, Mel, Dave, sisters Marg, Yvonne, Millie, and many nieces, and nephews.

Cheryl was born in Vancouver, B.C. and grew up in the lower mainland. In the early 1990’s she worked for the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. She ran a half-way house for drug addicts, run-away teens, and did meals on wheels for the elderly; always wanting to help everyone she met. In 1996 Cheryl and family moved to Courtenay, B.C. and Cheryl began a new chapter of her life and worked for Zellers at the Customer Service Desk.

She will be remembered for her contagious smile, sense of humour, and open heart. She was loved by all that knew her. Mom will be missed by her “adopted children and grandchildren.” You know who you are.

We would like to give a special thank you to Bert Champ for being a wonderful partner throughout this battle, we could not have asked for a better person to be with our mother. Caring and compassionate, from the beginning until the very last breath. We are grateful and honoured to have you in our lives. Thank you to Dr Hopwood for the care and treatment provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation which was near and dear to our mother’s heart.

A service will be held Thursday June 20th, 2013 at 1PM, at Comox Valley Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cheryl’s home afterwards.



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