Cheryl D. Lanterna
July 11, 1948 - March 20, 2018
Lake Forest CA
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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
52 responses to Cheryl D. Lanterna
Monica Swanson says:
March 26, 2018
Cheryl, Dear Friend,
We walked, talked, laughed and enjoyed our early morning walks. What a way to start the day! There were three of us and you were always the guide. You carried a huge flashlight to light our way and protect us, if necessary. I know you are now our angel still guiding and lighting our way from above.
Miss you.
Monica
Terry Mahan says:
March 26, 2018
Skip Jody and Jessica
Sandi and I have wonderful memories of our families growing up together in our Highlands Ranch neighborhood! We are praying for comfort only our Lord can give! We love Cheryl and will miss her until we reunite again in heaven.
Cheryl Wieland says:
March 27, 2018
Dear Skip, Jody and Jessica
I met Cheryl when she worked at Atria Del Sol–I can’t believe it has been that long. Our daughters were the same age and we used to talk about their antics, going off to college and finding themselves. It was always comforting knowing that parents were going through the same situations. When Cheryl started working with Hospice I think she found her true calling. She was always a compassionate person, willing to listen, and always kept a level head. Her sense a humor was forever!!!. In the last couple of years we would play the occasional golf game at Atria in MV. We played at the same level and I persuaded her not to keep score–why ruin the game with a number? She agreed, at least when she played with me. Skip played with us 1 time–I guess 1 was enough. He just smiled. We would make jokes, find humor where there wasn’t any and laughed so hard we both peed our pants!!
I will miss you Cheryl
Cheryl W
Dan & Jackie Marzi says:
March 27, 2018
Dear Skip, Jody and Jessica,
Dan and I will always remember the laughs and gtreat conversations we had when we would see you at John and Karen’s. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Jackie Marzi
Diane and Kevin says:
March 27, 2018
Dear Skip, Jody and Jessica,
Cheryl was always so generous with her time and love. When I think of the phrase “a life well-lived”, I think of Cheryl. She was one of a kind, had great style, and never let grass grow under her feet. She will be deeply missed.