Cheryl Bryant Marshall '81

On an ordinary Sunday in August, the world lost an extraordinary woman. On Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, Cheryl Marshall, 61, of Center Conway, N.H., passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home, as she wished.

Cheryl was born on Feb. 26, 1963, in North Conway, N.H. She grew up in the Fryeburg area with her sister Teresa and brothers Richard and Lawrence.

In school, Cheryl was the shy and quiet type. She played trumpet in band and also enjoyed softball. Cheryl graduated from Fryeburg Academy.

In her early 20s, she married Guy Purinton, and welcomed a daughter, Kirstie, in 1988. Shortly after, Cheryl and Guy went their separate ways. In 1992, Cheryl married John Marshall, and they welcomed a son, John (JT) Marshall III, in 1993. They divorced in 2020.

Cheryl worked as a waitress at Friendly’s in the 1990s, then transitioned to Sauders Bros. in Fryeburg, Maine. Eventually, she changed career paths to work with her husband in the family business, Marshall Logging.

Later, she stepped out of her role in the woods and into that of a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and landscaping, creating beautiful gardens with ponds and trellises of blooming flowers. She loved crafting stained glass, traveling, and spending time with family

Cheryl fought valiantly for her children until her last breath, facing life head-on and never giving up even when times or her illness became difficult. She passed away from COPD and lung cancer, on her own terms.

Cheryl is survived by her daughter Kirstie; son JT; her mother Jacqueline and John Morgan; her sister Teresa; and many beloved family members, including Kenny and Sue; Deb, Miranda, Renee, Cody, Nolan, Marija, Sanela, Sammy and Chester, as well as loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, friends and strangers whom she touched with her kindness.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Richard Bryant and Lawrence Bryant; Guy Purinton; and her beloved pets, Bandit and Magnum.

As per Cheryl's request, there will be no formal funeral. Her ashes will be divided among loved ones and carried through the mountains on the wings of the wind. A celebration of life will be held in Sweden, Maine, on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cheryl and her family would like to graciously thank Brigid Feeley, Marc Dagel, and her team of doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Memorial Hospital, as well as the visiting nurses and everyone who reached out with a helping hand.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to plant a flower or tree in Cheryl's honor in her memorial garden in Sweden. Donations can also be made to visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine, Meals on Wheels, or other community help organizations in Cheryl’s name. Please contact the family for additional details.

Cheryl’s love, beautiful smile, bright eyes, witty humor, and sharp personality will be deeply missed every single day by those who remember her.

She is loved and cherished by all whose lives she touched for the better.

Arrangements were made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

We thank her for her incredible fight, her fierce will to live, her love for family and friends, and humbly ask that she may rest in peace by the grace of God. Until we meet again. We love you, Mum.