Cheryl Lynn O’Malley, 64, of Laramie, passed away November 9, 2016 at home surrounded by family. A true daughter of Wyoming, Cheryl was born on the 4th of July, 1952, in Casper to Louis and Alice Debrey. She spent her childhood in Sheridan and Cheyenne, excelling at school and was a member of the state’s first competitive women’s swim team. She graduated in 1970 from Cheyenne East High School and attended the University of Wyoming, earning a B.A. in Education in 1974. She faithfully served for 36 years as an elementary school teacher in Albany County, retiring in 2010. Her devotion to education touched the lives of innumerable families and instilled in our children a love for learning that continues to enrich our community. Beyond her career as an educator, she remained an enduring pupil with an insatiable curiosity for our natural world and the history of our country, state and city.
Cheryl’s many passions included gardening, cross-country skiing, swimming, camping and traveling. She enjoyed supporting UW athletics and cultural programs, and exploring regional treasures such as Vedauwoo, the North Platte River and the Snowy Range. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She cherished luncheons with her teacher ladies, fishing with her parents and brothers, daily visits from her daughter, baking sugar cookies with grandchildren, and adventures with her son. She remained a ray of light through times of joy and tragedy, and fought an incredible battle against cancer, carrying herself to the end with courage, humor, optimism and grace. Her life was an incredible gift to the countless she loved. Cheryl shall live on forever in all of our hearts.
Cheryl is survived by her parents Louis and Alice Debrey of Cheyenne; brothers Bill and Larry Debrey of Laramie; her two children (and their spouses) Ryan and Cassie O’Malley of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Kellen and Andrew Groshart of Laramie; her grandchildren Camryn and Tucker Groshart; cousin Elaine Tracey of Littleton, Colorado; and companion George Griffin of Saratoga.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19th at the Alice Hardy Stevens Center. Memorial donations can be made to the Laramie Plains Museum (603 East Ivinson Street Laramie, Wyoming 82070).
Cheryl was a tremendously skilled professional who was admired and respected by her colleagues. Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
Mrs. O'Malley was my 5th grade teacher and was such an inspiration. She made being in school easy and when she seen you struggling she found a way to help. I seen her walking around the park this past summer, and she always had a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to Cheryl's family. There's such a sense of helplessness when someone we love dies. I'd like to share some scriptural thoughts that really helps me. Prayer is so valuable at this time, but it's not that prayer simply makes us feel better. 2 Cor. 4:7 says that God can give us, "... power beyond what is normal ", to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that we no longer cry or that we forget, but it means we recover. The reason we recover is because of our hope. Jesus Christ talked about our hope in John 5:28, "... all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out ". Jesus was referring to the resurrection; this is our hope that helps us recover and gives us power to go on. 2 Cor. 1:3 describes our Creator as, "... the God of all comfort ". One way that God comforts us is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. May the God of comfort (Ps. 83:18) be your comfort now during this time of sorrow.
I knew Cheryl in high school, and at UW. Such a cheerful loving soul, she was my maid-of-honor for my first wedding. We saw each other from time to time while I was in Laramie but we lost touch when I moved away. Special thoughts to her children whom I met as infants and their children . A truly special woman.
Condolences and Prayers to your family from our family. Harold, Barbara, and John O'Malley. May all Be Blessed...
She was my fifth grade teacher, and I will always remember how kind she was and how she cared so deeply for each of her students ❤️
Cheryl was an outstanding influence to so many people, including me. During our years at Indian Paintbrush, we worked at building the Outdoor Classroom, creating classes for Pole Mountain environmental education program(watch those homemade chocolate chip cookies in sack lunches, Mrs. O'Malley would caution the fifth graders), encourage interest in USA history with the colonial meal, and so much more. Cheryl was a dedicated, fair, and truly caring teacher. Her influence has and will continue to touch many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am saddened to learn of Cheryl's passing. I knew her through my friendship with her brothers and my heart goes out to them and the rest of her family and friends.
We are so sorry for your loss! Cheryl was such a sweet kind person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Darla & Glen Whipple
Cheryl was a beautiful soul, a wonderful, kind steadying influence on scores and scores of people. She was loving and patient and we will miss her. She will always be a favorite and in our hearts forever. Much love to all of her friends and family. Bob and Mari Sullivan (We are coming back to Wyoming to spend our retirement years, but sadly, will not be home until late on the 19th You all will be in our hearts and prayers this week.)
Cheryl was a great friend and teacher. I will miss cross country skiing with her, her beautiful smile and positive attitude.
Ryan and Kellan, I am so sorry to hear you lost your mom. She truly was a classy, funny, smart lady. Please know that I send my heart-felt condolences for your loss. Godspeed Cheryl.
What a beautiful women. She made the world a better place. May she rest in place.
So sorry to hear about Cheryl's passing! What an incredible teacher, friend and mother! She will be forever remembered! Cheryl Snigg-Cordova