Obituary

Cheryl Ann Henderson
October 5, 1941 – December 15, 2023

Aunt to many, friend to the end

Cheryl Henderson was born in Altadena, CA in 1941 to Felicia Henderson and William Henderson. She died on Friday, December 15, 2023 in Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California. She grew up in Alhambra and later moved to Capistrano Beach, and then San Juan Capistrano has been her home for several years. She never married and she had no children. She was preceded in life by her mother Felicia Ann Henderson of Alhambra, California, her nephew Scott St. Martin and his wife Heidi St. Martin of San Juan Capistrano, CA. Cheryl is survived by her only sister Sandra St. Martin of Charles Town, WV. She is also survived by her nieces. Felicia St. Martin and her husband Gary Maleski of Martinsburg, WV, Brigette Tester and her husband Kevin Tester of Charles Town, WV and her nephew Matthew St. Martin and his wife Stefanie St. Martin of Elkton, Kentucky. Cheryl’s nieces and nephews were like her children, and they were all very close to her. Cheryl worked for a few different Insurance companies throughout her life until retiring in her beautiful town of San Juan Capistrano. Cheryl loved walking around Dana Point Harbor, shopping, painting, and spending time with friends both in and out of church. She was also a fixture at extended family celebrations, ready with a chuckle, a laugh, or a knowing look, depending on what was being said. She even liked to act like an aunt to all the other children in her life, related and not related. She elaborately wrapped fantastic gifts to all in her orbit, and loved spoiling them all. She also loved making crafts that were so well-made that she could have sold them.

She opened her heart and home to many in her life. Her extra bedrooms served as a launchpad or a sleepover spot for kids or young adults in her life. She was the kind of person who was always there for you and stepped in when you needed her. A generous soul she was.

In recent years, Cheryl struggled with dementia. She loved sitting in her chair and watching Animal Planet and all the cooking shows you can think of. She loved animals, especially pigs, and her dogs Pattington and Lulu. Cheryl had a wonderful sense of humor, and was happy all the way to the end. She will be extremely missed by her beloved family and friends!

Finally, she loved Christmas, and it is fitting we will be celebrating her life among Christmas decorations at St. Therese’ Catholic Church in Alhambra, CA. A rosary will begin at 10 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. The burial will be on December 28 at San Gabriel Cemetery at 9:00am.