Cheryl Gervais

Cheryl Gervais (nee Sinclair) passed peacefully in the early morning at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, January 4th, 2021 with her daughter Christine by her side. She was loved and cared for in her Whitby Avenue home by her family Rob, Christine and Rebecca Brugmans.

Cheryl loved her daughters Christine Brugmans (Robert) and Lori Cameron (Glenn); grandchildren Rebecca Brugmans (Simon) and Meghann Lynch (Brennan). Predeceased by granddaughter Julia Brugmans, Sister Sharon McEwen (nee Sinclair), Mother Lois Latimer (nee Kennedy), Fathers Robert Latimer and George Sinclair, Grandparents John A. Kennedy and Harriet Kennedy (nee McArthur).

Cheryl made many of her memories on Whitby avenue, Westboro. She lived in a busy red brick home with her grandparents and entire family. It was a bustling house filled with laughter and love. Cheryl took after her grandfather and became a skilled gardener and handywoman. She was successful in sports (her favourites: baseball and Judo) and aspired to work with animals. She became a skilled dog groomer and a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, working with friends Andy and Joyce. She would often look back fondly on her show days with her Newfoundlands Cub and Cruiser (and many more).

Cheryl was kind, thoughtful and generous. She jumped at the opportunity to show her love in what she called "Just because." Ranging from crafting/sewing (Halloween costumes and Christmas Stockings) to lending a hand with big projects around the home (refinishing furniture and creating the famous rockgarden in North Gower). She could often be found with her nose in a book, watching a movie or cheering on the Toronto Raptors basketball team (Go Raptors). Cheryl spent hours puttering about the garden, taking pictures and interacting with wildlife including hand feeding the chickadees and chipmucks. She appreciated moments with her family, including get togethers with the Brugmans family, referring to Michelle and Joanne as her "sisters." A celebration of Cheryl's life will be held with the family in the summer as per her wishes.

We will miss her big heart and comforting presence. Her family will always cherish her memory. Heaven has opened its arms to a wonderful woman, her family and friends look forward to meeting her there.

“It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

Special thanks to Dr. Tamboli and Karen Slindall (LIHN Palliative Care program) for making it possible to respect Cheryl's wishes and the compassionate care from Sue Beatie.