Cheryl Lynn Lillybridge (Bowers) left this side of eternity on November 17, 2023.

If you knew Cheryl, if you spent any time with her, you experienced a light. When she saw you, whether meeting for the first time or the hundredth time, you were made to feel important. We grieve the loss of someone whom carried the love of God for others and sought to bring joy everywhere she went.

Many family members, close friends and acquaintances will miss her perfect smile, her laugh and deep care.

Cheryl was born on April 19, 1964 in Newfane, New York to Richard “Dick” and Carol Bowers who raised her along with her brothers Jeff and Alan Bowers. Cheryl has many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss her greatly. One of Cheryl’s favorite memories as a kid was working at her father’s car wash with her cousins! She earned a nickel for every car she hand dried with a towel!

Cheryl, from a very young age, noticed special things (animals, scenery and people) of which had an impact on her life. One of those special things were horses. As an adult she would often reflect on her childhood desire to have a horse of her own one day. Finally, in her early forties, her childhood dream came true; she found her first horse and would spend the next several years traveling mountain trails, discovering the wonder of horses, and taking detailed time to take care of their needs. She found joy in cleaning stalls with music playing, spending quiet moments in the fields with her horses and finding solace in the peace and personal moments they brought her. The community of women whom shared her passion for horses brought her happiness and a place of belonging.

Cheryl was lovely, she was innately kind and she was also tough! In 1985 Cheryl joined the military where by a chance meeting she met a young guy named Damon Lillybridge (who was also in the military) in Europe. Cheryl and Damon could tell you story after wonderful story of times spent together amongst the streets of Germany, in the bunkers of the military base, and on a train traveling to Denmark to get married. Their marriage would mark the beginning of the rest of Cheryl’s life; loving Damon with her entire heart and he loving her.

In 1982 Cheryl graduated from Royhart High School in Middleton, NY and in 1988 would graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York. From there she became an extraordinary and memorable registered nurse who held positions in multiple fields including department management and the initiation of a special program for mothers called “First Steps” in Grays Harbor County. Many who read this will remember her as she helped deliver their babies, provided comfort and guidance to new mothers in their homes, and gave compassion in her quality of care to those in the wound clinic. Her coworkers will remember her as someone who was a sister in the field, a confidant to rely on, and a person who led with integrity.

One of Cheryl’s greatest joys in life was being a Mother. She loves her children; Shauni MacLean (Lillybridge), Cara Lillybridge and Damon Lillybridge Jr. As a Mother, Cheryl would go out of her way to create special times for her children, causing them to feel wanted and surprised by many unique and joyous moments! She always showed up, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Her purpose was to inspire and lift them, to which she never faltered. She will always be part of them and will continue to provide comfort throughout their lives in endless and wondrous ways. Cheryl also loved her son-in-law, Mark MacLean, deeply and considered him one of her own.

In Cheryl’s last years of life she found tremendous purpose and delight in being with her grandchildren, Lilly and Molly. Just like with her own children, she was always looking for ways to make them smile. Spending the night with Gam-Gam and Pop-Pop and having hot chocolate in the mornings was one of their most favorite things to do. She always had a piece of gum for them in her purse!

Cheryl often wrote notes about the joys she surrounded herself with as well as her love of God and Christ that embodied her soul. She knew the heart of Jesus and received His love for her. Cheryl often mentioned a particular verse in the last two years of her life: Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you” John 15:4.

To know Cheryl was to know joy. She embodied it. She brought peace, she practiced empathy, and conveyed light. In the years to follow without her physical presence, we will carry her heart in all we do.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Church of Living Water, 1615 Chambers St. SE, Olympia.