Cheryl E. O'Leary

Surrounded by her family, Cheryl E. O'Leary, 58, of Portsmouth, peacefully succumbed to a prolonged illness on Thursday, January 30th. The eldest child born to Kenneth and Nellie Rush, she was a native of West Virginia and proud graduate of Weir High School in Weirton, WV. Cheryl lived in several locations including North Carolina, California, and Ohio before residing in Virginia. Cheryl was an extraordinary individual who never knew a stranger. All fortunate enough to encounter her, even briefly, would quickly be engaged by her easy and entreating conversation and her full, contagious, and engaging laugh. Her captivating demeanor was further enhanced by abundant warmth, kindness, generosity, and acceptance as well as a delightful sense of humor. Her sphere of influence was wide; individuals she called friend, countless. A woman of faith, she radiated an exuberance, love and joy of life – and regularly practiced the golden rule. With an adventurous and curious nature, she loved to travel both the U.S. and internationally and eagerly tried new things. A proud south-paw who was multi-gifted and talented, she especially enjoyed a wide array of art, poetry, crafting, and music, had a fascination for and love of angels and was an avid reader. A lifetime loyal fan of WVU and the Pittsburgh Steelers, her knowledge and enjoyment of football rivaled anyone's. Cheryl was previously employed at the Daily Press. Having valued her family above all else, she easily shared a photo or told a recent tale about those who survive and will sorely miss her: her loving spouse, John; her three children Rebecca Meneely, Heather Greer Friend Jay, children Elaina, Devon and Connor, and Kenneth Greer, Sr. Wife Becca and children Kenny Junior and Kayla; her stepson Sean; her mother Nellie Rush; sister Cindy Koelbl of Arizona; brother Ken Rush of Florida; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Countless friends will mourn her passing. Cheryl is reunited with her Father, Kenneth, and son, Shane Michael. Visitors will be welcomed at the Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, February 3rd . A service to celebrate her life will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 4th. Interment will follow at noon in Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News. To honor Cheryl's great love of her grandchildren, the family suggests memorial contributions for their education. Contributions may be made at any local to Chartway Federal Credit Union. "It is not length of life, but depth of life that matters most." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheryl E. O'Leary

January 30, 2014