Cheryl A. Tolson

On Thursday, July 26, 2018, Cheryl A. Tolson, known to friends as “Cher,” passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 61 after an extended illness.  

Cheryl is lovingly remembered by her sister, Norma Jean Craig of Quincy, her niece, Jennifer Craig of Quincy, her nephew, Gregory Craig of Oceanside,California, his wife Rosemary and son Dustin.  Cheryl also leaves behind her beautiful dog, Max. Cheryl was predeceased by her mother, Mary Elaine Tolson of Quincy, her father, George Tolson of Nova Scotia, her brother, Stephen Tolson of Anchorage, Alaska, and her cousin, “Uncle Al” DiBona of Quincy.

Cheryl will be sadly missed by her life long friends Darlene Murphy of Marshfield, Nancy Pitnof of  Fairhaven, Susan Adler of Quincy and their children Alycia Murphy, Justin Adler, Jason and Joshua Mahoney.  She was an aunt to all of these children and played a very big part in their lives growing up. All of Cheryl's friends and family want to thank John Berwick for the love and care he provided Cheryl at the end.  John's undaunting commitment to her made the end of her journey a peaceful one. We would also like to thank Jean Ellard for all of her efforts and help in finding Max a new home and making his transition a gentle one.  

Cheryl was born on April 10,1957 in Boston and lived in the Wollaston section of Quincy for the majority of her life until she moved to Hull.  Cheryl's true journey began in 1975 when she graduated from North Quincy High. After high school, Cheryl moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to be closer to her brother Stephen, who was a king crab fisherman there.  Cheryl and her good friend Christine DeCosta always had a story to tell about life in Kodiak. While in Kodiak, Cheryl worked as a waitress, a deckhand on a fishing boat and a cab driver. She also worked in a cannery while she was in Alaska. Cheryl met many other new wonderful friends in Kodiak, including John Berwick. She remained close to these beloved friends right to the end. Her many friends from around the world are feeling the loss of such a generous soul.  After Kodiak, Cheryl's sense of adventure only grew. She traveled around the world, usually with one or more of her closest high school girlfriends, Darlene, Susan or Nancy. She explored France, England, Italy, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland, Bermuda, Mexico and numerous Caribbean Islands. She also loved traveling across the United States to visit friends in Florida, Hawaii, New York and California. Cheryl's last trip was in March, 2016 to Jamaica where she attended her godson Jason's wedding.  Cheryl was happiest when she was traveling, fishing, attending concerts, dancing and living life to the fullest. However, her true “happy place” was Salisbury Beach where she would spend time with her friends sitting on the beach, watching the sunset or collecting sea glass. Cheryl and her friends would often get together for “Group Therapy” to share good food, good wine and good stories. Cheryl's signature trademark was her 1970 Red Cadillac Coupe de Ville. When she pulled up to pick you up in that car for the next adventure, you just knew it was going to be a fabulous time!

Cheryl's adventurous spirit extended to the many jobs she had in her life. Over the course of her life, she worked as a sales clerk, a cocktail waitress, a factory worker, a bookkeeper, a fishing boat deckhand, a cab driver, a store keeper, and, in her last position, as a legal secretary in a Quincy law firm. Cheryl also attended classes at Northeastern University to further her education.  

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Cheryl's Life on Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hamel Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy. There will be a short memorial service at the conclusion of the Celebration at Hamel Lydon Chapel after which the family will gather at the Hancock Tavern. All are invited. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cheryl's memory to the Quincy Animal Shelter at www.quincyanimalshelter.org  or to the American Liver Foundation, New England Division, 188 Needham Street, Suite 240, Newton, MA  02464.