Cheryl D. Lanterna

Cheryl D. Lanterna

July 11, 1948 - March 20, 2018
Lake Forest CA

Cheryl D. Lanterna

July 11, 1948 - March 20, 2018
Lake Forest CA

Obituary

Cheryl Lanterna passed away peacefully with her family at her side on March 20, 2018 after a short but courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Middletown, Connecticut on July 11, 1948, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, and went on to receive a degree from the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, then spent some time in kitchen design, but it was when she moved to Southern California in 1994 that she found her true calling in working with the elderly, a passion that lasted 25 years and was kindled by her experiences with her grandmothers. She worked for several years at Villa del Sol, an assisted living community, but she truly blossomed as the Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice of Saddleback Memorial Care, a position that she held for 13 years. She had a unique ability to connect and communicate with seniors. The irony is that her disease progressed so aggressively that she never received the hospice care services that she spent so many years providing to others.

Cheryl was survived by her husband of 47 years, Skip, her daughters Jody and Jessica, and six grandchildren, Isabella, James, Conner, Francesca, Vincent, and Julia. She is also survived by her sister, Karen, sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and multitudes of friends and neighbors who all will dearly miss her. Cheryl’s life was characterized by infinite love for family and friends and boundless generosity.

One of her fondest memories, and one that she had planned to repeat, was a family reunion at “the Yellow House” in Myrtle Beach. Family and friends were such a part of Cheryl’s life, and she loved nothing better than having a house full of people, especially at holidays. That also gave her an opportunity to decorate, cook, and bake. If twenty were expected, she cooked for forty! No one ever left her home hungry. One of her favorite activities was the Friday Night TGIF porch parties in The Woods, the neighborhood where she lived.

After her retirement, she joined The Amigos de la Colina and served as a Docent at Heritage Hill Historical Park. She enjoyed leading tours as well as serving as a School Marm for children who visited. In addition to learning about our local history, it added another segment of wonderful friends who welcomed her into their lives. She had also joined the Saddleback Emeritus Chorale and was preparing for their Spring Concert.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 16 at 10:00am at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, followed immediately by a reception in the church hall to celebrate Cheryl’s rich but much too short life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MemorialCare Hospice and Palliative Services, which was closest to her heart.

 

 

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: April 16, 2018 (10:00 AM)
  • Venue: Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church
  • Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 951-8599

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52 responses to Cheryl D. Lanterna

  1. Her smile and overall sense of happiness and “glow” will be missed by everyone who knew her and especially by everyone in “the Hood”

  2. David A. Fox says:

    Skip,
    I was so sorry to hear of Cheryl’s passing. I wish only the very best for you in dealing with what, I’m sure, is a very tough time for you and your family. You obviously chose a wonderful and accomplished partner to share your life with and I hope you will always cherish all that was meaningful to you both.
    David Fox

  3. Cindy Kean says:

    As we continue to resist the the belief that Cheryl is gone, we are also reliving all the wonderful memories of times together. The school years of our children, the college years, marriages, grandchildren have all been a part of our memories. We have laughed and cried, gossiped and disagreed and always returned to a place of love for each other and our families. Cheryl will be missed be all of us, but her presence as the matriarch of such a loving, fun, closely knit family will be missed the most. I am sorry for the sadness you must all feel but how fortunate you have been to have her in your lives. She was so proud of all of you and loved you so deeply.

  4. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May all of the beautiful memories, stories, laughter, tears, joy, family, and friends provide you comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Jody, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of a kind!

  5. We hold special memories from our days at Notre Dame, reunions, meeting up at Lake Forest, book club, Viking River Cruise, visit to Szolnok. Taken from us all too soon, such a light you shed on us all. Your email said it all, StCheryl, how appropriate. A life well lived and snuffed out too soon. You will be sorely missed, dear friend. Love, Chris and Laszlo

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