Sherryl Amistoso Cheary, 45, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on January 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 12, 1980, in the Philippines, Sherryl lived her life with determination, creativity, humor, and an unshakable love for the people she held close.
In 1985, Sherryl and her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she later attended Mastbaum High School. After graduating, she earned a scholarship to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, New York, followed by studies at a graphic design school in Pennsylvania. Her talents were many, but her heart ultimately led her to serve something greater than herself.
At the age of 21, Sherryl enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001, where she proudly served for 15 years. During her career, she worked as a Hospital Corpsman, a role that perfectly matched her compassion, strength, and ability to care deeply for others. Her service brought her to Virginia, which she proudly called home.
On June 30, 2010, Sherryl married the love of her life, Timothy “Tim” Cheary. Together they built a beautiful family and raised two daughters, Susanna (born 2009) and Jocelyn (born 2012), who were the absolute center of Sherryl’s world.
Sherryl was a phenomenal cook who made the kind of food that people still talk about. From pecan pies to braised beef with risotto, prime rib, lamb, and perfectly paired wines, she could turn any meal into an event. She even hosted DIY wine tastings at home, because of course she did. And leave it to Sherryl to know exactly what went with what.
She was a massive Harry Potter fan and proudly shared matching Harry Potter glasses tattoos on her right hand with her niece Alyssa. She also loved Star Wars, music of all kinds, and especially 90s R&B-Mariah Carey forever. She jammed just as hard to Biggie Smalls, Goo Goo Dolls, No Doubt, and absolutely lost her mind when “Regulate” came on.
Sherryl adored her black Labradoodle, Bella, who was her constant cuddle buddy and loyal companion.
She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Estelita Lawson and Charles Lawson, and her brother, Edmond Lawson.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband Tim, her daughters Susanna and Jocelyn, her siblings Pauline Lawson, Antoinette Smith, Antonio Amistoso, 12 nieces, 5 nephews and many extended family members, friends, shipmates, and loved ones who will carry her light forward.
A service celebrating Sherryl’s life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Sherryl was a fighter, a nurturer, a creator, and a force of love. Her legacy lives on in her family, her service, and the countless lives she touched.
