Cheryl Lynn Jennings
Died: October 20, 2025 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Celebration of Life
Sunday, October 26, 2025
12:30 – 2:30 pm
A. Millard George Reception Centre
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Obituary
Jennings, Cheryl Lynn
On Monday October 20, 2025, Cheryl faced the end of her suffering on her own terms. Cheryl was born in Hamilton, Ontario on March 20, 1950, the only child of Harold and Arleen Jennings (née Hodd). She is survived by her husband Robert Donaghy and her stepson James and stepdaughter Lisa Pala (Umberto) and by her sister Linda Maskell Pereira (Christopher). She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Matthew, Gabriela and Ciara Pala and her nephews -and Godsons- Daniel (Andrea) and Geoffrey (Deanna) Pereira. The memory of Cheryl will be dearly treasured by her several cousins, many in-laws, and a troop of beloved and devoted friends.
After post-secondary education at McMaster University and Althouse College U.W.O., Cheryl taught visual arts for the Thames Valley District School Board for thirty years, inspiring many young students at several secondary schools. She was a gifted teacher and a talented artist, a dancer and a gardener, an actress and a sculptor, an excellent cook and an avid reader, a devoted wife and a solid friend. For many years, she was involved in countless productions at the London Community Players both onstage and off as a director, actor, and set designer. Following her retirement from teaching, she painted with energy and commitment and taught adult art classes at several places, continuing to inspire enthusiasm for her greatest love.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Doctors Blanchette and Lock at the Verspeeten Cancer Centre, Doctors Hamilton and Stack from Ontario Healthcare at Home, and to the wonderful medical support staff at the London Cancer Centre, Victoria Hospital and Parkwood Institute. Donations in Memory of Cheryl can be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre or to a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Cheryl’s Life will be held at the A. Millard George Reception Centre (60 Ridout Street South, London) on Sunday October 26, 2025 from 12:30 until 2:30p.m. Everyone is welcome. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
“Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” (Khalil Gibran)
5 Comments
Write a Condolence
Submit A Photo
Photos
Make a Donation in honour of Cheryl Lynn Jennings
Family's Preferred Charity: Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre
Please mail your donations directly to the charity
OR
Use the link below to complete your donation online.
Please complete the following so the family can acknowledge donations.
Donations
Boh & Mary Kinczyk - Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre
Burke Flowers
When you order funeral flowers from Burke Flowers, our skilled and compassionate florist will work directly with the funeral home to ensure that your delivery is timely and accurate. Same-day delivery is often available, please call (519) 672-8190 || (800) 303-7413 for a more customized experience.
Cheryl was a wonderful teacher, kind, funny and inspiring. Condolences to her family
I met Cheryl through the Marlene Robertson Dance Studio where we all danced. After a time, I was promoted as a junior instructor along with the advanced teachers (Cheryl & Linda). Cheryl was the tall, slender red-headed beauty who courageously twirled a fire baton! I was in awe. Cheryl was a gifted ballerina, tap dancer and every other kind of dance one could imagine! Linda, Cheryl & I became friends outside of the studio and did many things together. I always remember Cheryl for her wicked sense of humour, her kindness, intelligence and ability to make me laugh! She was supportive, lively, fun, smart, witty, generous and a marvellous, irreplaceable friend. Email made our friendship much easier to sustain, as I was living on the West Coast. Rest easy, dear friend! Gone but not forgotten❣️
I met Cheryl through the Marlene Robertson Dance Studio where we all danced. After a time, I was promoted as a junior instructor along with the advanced teachers (Cheryl & Linda). Cheryl was the tall, slender red-headed beauty who courageously twirled a fire baton! I was in awe. Cheryl was a gifted ballerina, tap dancer and every other kind of dance one could imagine! Linda, Cheryl & I became friends outside of the studio and did many things together. I always remember Cheryl for her wicked sense of humour, her kindness, intelligence and ability to make me laugh! She was supportive, lively, fun, smart, witty, generous and a marvellous, irreplaceable friend. Email made our friendship much easier to sustain, as I was living on the West Coast. Rest easy, dear friend! Gone but not forgotten❣️
I learned only today that one of my favourite teachers, Cheryl Jennings, passed away last month. I was in her art class for only one year (grade 12), but in fact, the only artwork I still have from high school is a painting I did in her class. I was also in the drama club, which she facilitated, throughout high school. As a teacher, she was exactly what one wants a teacher of young people to be: compassionate, enthusiastic, an inspiration, and yes, a lot of fun. I’m sure I’ll dwell fondly on memories of those times for days to come.
My sincere condolences to your family
Cheryl was a great teacher. I had her in grade 9 at Wheable and then Grade 12 art at Laurier H.S. I had her play a trick on one of my other favourite teachers from Laurier and he also just recently passed. She was a fantastic teacher with a sense of humour, kind and always made learning art enjoyable. Cheryl was well respected by all. She will be missed and never forgotten.