Cheryl Marie Cunningham passed away from a brain aneurysm in Bradenton, Florida on January 25, 2022. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Ann Yeh (Brian) of Alexandria, Virginia, her son Kevin Michael Franklin (Keehae Park) of San Francisco, California, and grandchildren Annabelle June and Colin Thomas Yeh, Gina Marie and Ian Robert Franklin, and by her siblings: Rosemary Egan of Colorado; Cathy Fennel and Tammy Garcia of Texas; and David, Brian, and Craig Cunningham of Illinois, as well as dogs: Jinjoo (California); and Seamus and Rufus (Virginia).

Cheryl was born on February 15, 1948, in Dixon, Illinois, and grew up in Mt. Morris, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Dean Cunningham and Phyllis Ann Cunningham (nee Phalen). She graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1966, where she was in the band and (believe it or not) was also a cheerleader. She also helped raise her six (yes, SIX!!!) younger siblings. Following high school she attended Eastern Illinois (B.A.) and Illinois State (M.S.).

She married John Thomas Franklin on June 17, 1972. Cheryl and John built their life together in Brighton, Michigan, where they lived (mostly) happily from 1975 to 2015. During those years, in addition to being a patient and loving wife and mother, Cheryl also built a career as a successful consultant and business owner - eventually running her own firm. Through her career, she helped countless managers and business owners become more empathetic leaders.

In 2015, Cheryl and John retired to Bradenton, Florida, where they lived out their last years together. Cheryl was never happier than holding court with her grandkids in Florida - baking cookies together; playing in the pool; or heading to the gulf for time on the beach or on a boat together. John passed away in July of 2020 after an extended battle with cancer - and Cheryl spent her last eighteen months traveling to be with her children, grandchildren and the many friends she has made over the years and across the country. She left this world too suddenly and full of life - but on the terms she would have wanted. Swiftly, surrounded by friends and loved ones, and without suffering.

Services to commemorate her life will be held on February 5th, 2022 at 11 am at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton with reception to follow for those who are vaccinated (and boosted) for Covid-19.

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