Cheryl B. (Costa) DeBarros of North Dartmouth passed away on Monday February 28, 2022, surrounded by her family, after a hard-fought battle with multiple illnesses.
She is survived by her loving husband Mike, who for their 51 years together as a couple, nearly 48 years married, was her partner in every sense of the word. Especially in the last few years where "sickness and health" offered many challenges that they faced together. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer (Torres) and Julie (Meelia). She shared many laughs with Jennifer's husband, Al Torres. She never missed an opportunity to support her daughters, send a text, share a recipe, lend an ear or hand. Her wit and kindness will live on through her girls.
Cheryl is also survived by her five grandchildren: Nicholas Figlioli, Andrew Figlioli, Ava Figlioli, Olivia Meelia, and Luke Meelia, whom she adored. She taught them all about life as only a grandmother can, with a smile and encouragement.
Cheryl enjoyed her work as a speech and language assistant at Crystal Springs School and as a paraprofessional in the New Bedford Public Schools for many years. She will always be remembered for her love and dedication to children with disabilities. Cheryl was humble and would be the last to take credit for her good works on this earth, but the people who knew her would say that she spent her life creating a loving warm home, caring for her family, making incredible meals, spreading random acts of kindness, and showing up to every event that her daughters and grandchildren participated in with pride. She enjoyed crafts, gardening, and her many beloved dachshunds throughout the years. Cheryl was thoughtful and kind in a way that made strangers become friends. She could bring you to tears of laughter with her perfectly timed funny comments. She will be fiercely missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory lives on through her family and all those she touched.
Her visitation will be held on Thursday March 3, 2022 from 4-8 PM, with a time of remembrance at 6:30 PM, at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Her funeral service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, an organization that Cheryl loved. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.