Cheryl Ann Fogarty (nee Clouser), 68, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21 at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center from complications arising from multiple myeloma, a cancer with which she lived with grace, strength, and an unfailingly positive attitude for more than seven years. Born Jan. 16, 1952 at the former Elyria Memorial Hospital in Elyria, Oh., the daughter of Coe E. and Geraldine L. (nee Benedict) Clouser, she was a lifelong resident of Elyria, graduating from Elyria High School in 1970. She attended Ashland College (now Ashland University) where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Cheryl often joked that she never got far from home, returning to Elyria following her post-graduate education to accept a job with the Elyria City Schools where she taught for 31 years. Her first five years were spent at Eastern Heights Junior High School, followed by 26 years at Elyria High School where she was first a member of the Business Department before joining the Math Department where she enjoyed the majority of her teaching career. Her early years at Elyria High included activities such as serving as an advisor to the school's Ski Club, and taking an active role in the Math Department's annual Pi Day celebration held each March 14, which recognized the mathematical constant pi 3.14, and was also a fun excuse to eat a lot of edible pie. Cheryl also enjoyed attending lots of Friday night Elyria Pioneer football games with fellow teachers, and later with her husband, Steve, at the old Ely Stadium. The couple also spent many fun evenings attending high school plays and musicals in the old Elyria High auditorium, and later in the impressive Performing Arts Center of the new high school, a beautiful facility Cheryl long hoped for, and was so happy to see finally come to fruition in YEAR. Cheryl and Steve also spent a number of Christmases hosting an annual Math Department party at their home. After retiring in 2005, Cheryl was genuinely touched anytime a former student returned to visit and thank her for her guidance, positive influence, and occasional "tough love" she used to motivate and inspire. In retirement, she spent an additional 10 years as a tutor. Her married life included much time spent with family and friends, shivering through the cold at Cleveland Browns games at the old Municipal Stadium, and relaxing on warm summer evenings at Lake Erie Crushers games and listening to the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center. The couple's cherished vacations included trips to the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Monument Valley, New York City, Chicago, and several visits to Florida's Walt Disney World. The couple's favorite destination was New England and the southern coast of Maine, where they spent many summer and autumn vacations enjoying sitting on the beach, taking in the region's diverse history and attractions, and dining on lots of lobster. Even more special were extended trips to Great Britain and Ireland, along with land-sea cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coastlines, and to Alaska. A longtime member of First United Presbyterian Church of Elyria where the couple were married Oct. 17, 1987, Cheryl served in many capacities over the years, ranging from Sunday School teacher for 10 years, and Elder on the church Session, to longtime co-clerk of Session, serving with fellow co-clerk Mary Lou Burnside. She also spent time cooking for the church's hot meals program prior to delivering those same meals to shut-ins and others. A favorite tradition of the couple were the roughly 30 yearly trips to Wilcox Tree Farm to hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. A true movie lover, she and Steve spent countless contended hours at area theaters. A passionate fan of murder mysteries, Cheryl read hundreds of titles including the classic works of Agatha Christie, and viewed an equal number of mystery movies and series on TV. A fervent animal lover, she gained much love and joy from the dogs who shared her life, including mixed-breed Barney, Golden Retriever Harper Lee, as well as her current Goldens, Anna and Finnegan. Her four-legged "kids" also included her cat, Sunny. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Coe E. and Geraldine L. Clouser; brother-in-law Arthur Proviano; and a great-nephew, Spencer Richey. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Stephen Fogarty; sister Diana (nee Clouser) Proviano of Murrysville, Pa.; sister-in-law Martha Richey and brother-in-law Timothy Richey of Miamisburg, Oh.; niece Karen (Ignacio) Izaguirre of Murrysville, Pa.; nephews Michael (Kim) Proviano of Jeffersonton, Va.; David Proviano of Bristow, Va.; Emily Richey of Miamisburg, Oh.; Connor Richey of Murray, Ky.; great-niece Sofia Izaguirre and great-nephews Nicolas and Liam Izaguirre, all of Murrysville, Pa.; and great-nieces Grace and Tatum Deane; and great-nephew Tucker Deane, all of Jeffersonton, Va. Family will receive friends 10 AM until time of service at 12 noon Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626 . per CDC guidelines social distancing will be observed. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. In Lieu of flowers the families ask that memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor's choice, or in time spent with loved ones.

Memorial Contribution