ANDOVER – Cheryl A. Briggs, 65, passed away Sunday (December 10, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital following a sudden medical event.
Mrs. Briggs was born on December 31, 1957 in North Hornell to David R. and Gladys M. (Bowen) Baird. She graduated from Hornell Senior High School in 1975. On June 11, 1977 she married Gary L. Briggs in Hornell at the home of their mother.
Cheryl was the manager of Andover’s Uni-Mart for 16 years. She also worked as a cafeteria helper for Andover Central School for 10 years. She did professional seamstress work as well.
In addition to her husband of 46 years, Cheryl is survived by a son Jamie L. (Shannon) Briggs of Phoenixville, Pa.; a daughter Heather (Brian) Perkins of Andover; her mother Gladys Baird of St. Petersburg, Fla.; four sisters, Bonnie (Randy) Morse of Canisteo, Betty (Danny) Morse of Hornell, Debra Baird of Hornell, and Cathryn (David) Williams of Hornell; three grandchildren, Rogan Perkins, Derek Perkins, and Connor Stinger; and two great grandchildren, Autumn Stinger-Ducary and Genevieve Stinger; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her father, David Baird.
Cheryl enjoyed riding motorcycles with Gary, often with no particular destination in mind. She was the first on the dance floor doing the two-step, especially to a favorite song of theirs. Cheryl was at her best giving talks with her children, offering advice and being a sounding board when they needed it. She was always available and had that soft gentle way of calming the storms in their lives.
As a grandmother, Cheryl took the role of ‘nana’ seriously. She taught them about life. She took them on nature walks about town, often stopping at the library to enhance their experience. She left her day job to devote more of her time with them. When they went off to school, she followed them by becoming the school cafeteria monitor.
Cheryl’s love for her own grandchildren spread to all the children. She personally made sure no child went hungry. When a child needed a hug in the hallway, she was there. Cheryl was a gentle soul and gave from the heart that infected the whole community. She was everybody’s favorite cheerleader.
Cheryl was a long-time member of the Andover American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday (December 14) from 3-8 p.m. at the Andover Fire Hall. All are welcome. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Cheryl’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Fire Department, 60 S. Main Street, Andover, NY 14806. © 2023 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
