Carol Deely & Maggie Muenstermann

Cheryl Ann Debs Connelly passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 13, due to post-surgical complications. Today, June 16, would have been Cheryl's 61st birthday. Cheryl was the heart of her family and a light in the lives of so many. A loving wife to John, devoted mother to Mikey and Ryan, cherished daughter, cousin, niece, aunt, kuma, and friend, she lived each day with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Cheryl's life was defined by caring for others. A wonderful and supportive paraprofessional, she was deeply loved by the students and staff at the school where she worked. She had a special gift for connecting with children with special needs and was a passionate advocate not only for her son, Mikey, who is autistic, but for all the children and families whose lives she touched through the autism community. Her caring spirit and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Family was the center of Cheryl's world. She was a loving wife to John, whom she helped educate on the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and involvement for all children. Together, they built a home filled with love while Cheryl cooked, cleaned, advocated, and proudly soccer-mommed her way through life. She never wavered in her devotion to Mikey and Ryan. While Ryan was growing up, Cheryl embraced every aspect of being a soccer mom, driving him to practices, camps, and games and cheering him on every step of the way. She was immensely proud of Ryan, who assisted her in so many ways and who, under her guidance, became an example of sibling advocacy and compassion for those facing physical and mental challenges. Cheryl balanced the unique needs of Mikey with grace and selflessness, always putting her family first. Cheryl found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved gardening and sunflowers, proudly cheered for the Croatian Men's National Soccer Team and the Chicago Cubs with their iconic blue W flag, and each Christmas delighted family and friends with an incredible assortment of homemade cookies, including her beloved Croatian kolackys. She carried immense pride in her Croatian heritage and even greater pride in her family. As John, Mikey, and Ryan grieve the loss of the woman who held their family together, they are also facing the challenges of rebuilding life without Cheryl. Mikey relied on Cheryl for his daily care and support, and the family must now secure caregiving assistance so that John can continue to work and Ryan can return to college. This fundraiser has been established to help ease the financial burden created by the loss of Cheryl's income, provide caregiving support for Mikey, and assist with everyday living expenses during this difficult transition. Most importantly, it will help provide stability and peace of mind as they navigate a future without the woman who meant everything to them. Those who knew Cheryl know that she lived for her family and gave endlessly to others. **Now we have the opportunity to give back to hers.** By supporting John, Mikey, and Ryan, we can surround them with the same love, generosity, and compassion that Cheryl so freely shared throughout her life. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and will be received with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for keeping this beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers and for helping carry forward Cheryl's legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. I think this version captures Cheryl's warmth, her advocacy for children with special needs, her Croatian heritage, her love of family, and the practical needs facing John, Mikey, and Ryan without losing the dignity and grace that John expressed in his tribute.