Deborah Ladd Cherry
Deborah Ladd Cherry died peacefully after a brief illness at The Kaplan House in Danvers, MA on April 6, 2017 at the age of 84.
Deborah is survived by her children, Martha Ryder (and her husband, Mark) of Arundel ME, Melissa Cherry of Maynard, MA and Fred Cherry of Marblehead, MA. She was a wonderful Grammy to her two grandsons, Nash and Ellis Ryder. She is preceded in death by her husband George F. Cherry. She was very active up until the end and will be missed by many friends and acquaintances.
Deborah was born on December 29, 1932 in Flushing, NY, the only child of Bernard and Madalene Ladd. She graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, NH in 1951 and received her BS in Education from Lesley College in 1955 and a MA in Reading from Salem State College in 1994. Deborah worked many years as a teacher and tutor of reading and ESL. She was an active and dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Marblehead for over 45 years and a regular volunteer for Lifebridge in Salem MA.
Deborah was a witty and tenacious individual and loyal friend who loved reading, cooking, classical music and speaking her mind. In the summer, you could find her sitting in the sun at the beach or working as a docent at Abbott Hall in Marblehead, MA. Some of her favorite places were Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH and Ripley Point in Harrington, ME. An avid bridge player, she had a fierce competitive streak for any game – even her grandsons were not spared her determination to win. But they didn’t mind and loved her even more for her colorful language when things didn’t go her way.
A celebration of her life is scheduled for 1:00PM on Sunday April 9, 2017 at the Unitarian church, 28 Mugford St in Marblehead with a reception to follow. Reverend Wendy von Courter will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Deborah’s’s life. Flowers may be sent directly to the church. Or, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Lifebridge P.O. Box 810 Salem, MA 01970, or the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Marblehead, MA 01945.
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A lovely lady who loved her family. She is at peace.
So. Sorry about your mom we had many great times together will miss her
I remember meeting your mom years ago, and I knew then where Martha and Melissa got their feistiness. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your families.
I’m very sorry for your loss, she sounds like an amazing person.
Melissa and family, we are deeply sadden by the loss of your Mom. Please know we are all thinking of you. May she be at peace and your memories carry on her spirit. Laga Love.
Melissa, Martha ,and Fred,I hope that all know how fond I am of your mom.Mrs. C. was such a wonderful,warm and caring person.I am so fortunate to have known her as well as I have.She was so much fun ,and boy did she call them like she saw them.I will always remember your mom and the many conversations we had.Sincerely,Hooper Goodwin
Fred & Family,
Very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Thinking of each of you and sending condolences at this sad time.
So sorry to hear this news. I have wonderful memories of your mom, so many of them, she really was a terrific person and so much fun to be around. We had an especially nice time with her a few years ago when she and my mom came to spend a couple days with us in Vermont. She will be missed. All the best.
I always admired the way she lived life on her terms. As Martha’s friend , we were introduced, and I always loved hearing stories about her as a mother, grandmother, wife, and friend.. Her family and friends will miss her so. There are no words for this loss…
So very sorry for your loss Fred. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dale and Colin
Love and Prayer to you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Your MOM was an exceptional lady who I admired beyond the beyond. She had spunk. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing and I will miss all the laughs we had and great talks. I loved being her hairdresser and we talked so much of how proud she was of her children and grandchildren..Oh,we will all miss her at the salon. Her love of cats, her love of education. We talked politics. Oh we had so much fun. Her spirit will remain with me always. Her gusto!!!!
My deep condolences to your family Rest In Peace my friend.
Martha Melissa and Fred, We are with you all in spirit today and wish we could be there in person. Debbie was such an a wonderful part of our Ripley summers. We will miss her very much. Love, Lucy and John
Thinking of you all. Lots of love. ❤
DeBoers/Gilligan’s
Melissa,
I am lucky to have met Deborah at one of our school’s recent musical productions. She had a bright smile, was a wonderful person to talk to, and clearly was proud of your work with our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless.
I used to look forward to her coming into the JCC of Marblehead. Rest In Peace.
I used to look forward to her coming into the JCC of Marblehead. We all liked her.Rest In Peace.
Dear Martha, Melissa and Fred,
I am so sorry that you lost your Mom. She was one of my mother’s dearest friends throughout her life. They chatted often and I would always get the news of your family. It is a big loss.
Please know that I am holding you all close in my heart.
Sarah McNally
Deb was truly an unforgettable woman. I was fortunate to have met her while working at Salem State. We both shared an appreciation of many things, including the UU in Marblehead. Deb was a stellar “babysitter” for my young (at the time) kitten, Sabrina. In more recent years, she doted on my “baby” Oliver. Both kitties loved her as much as she loved them! One weekend, while living in Salem, one of my NY friends came to visit. We stopped by Deb’s house and she took us for a hike through Marblehead. Though several decades older than both of us, Deb was so strong and healthy that when our walk was over my friend, exhausted and out of breath, commented, “I think Deborah is trying to kill us.” Deb also helped me to master savoring a good martini or two…(ahem) Ellen and I will never forget her kindness and generosity (neither will Tom or Ollie). The celebration of her life was beautiful and fitting. Sincere condolences and peace to all – particularly Martha, Melissa, Fred, Nash, and Ellis.
Dearest Martha, Melissa and Fred. So sad to hear about the loss of your Mother. Not only was she a dear friend to my Mother Jean Brush, but a great friend of mine. We spoke often and she finally gave me her famous chocolate bread pudding recipe. I will miss her dearly. Prays to all of you.