Cheryl Ann Sehlmeyer, 80, of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Cheryl was born on August 4, 1946, in Stamford, Connecticut, the daughter of August and Mary Beck Sehlmeyer. She graduated from high school in New Jersey, where she met and married William McCroy, who proudly served in the United States Army. Together, they had their daughter, Toini. The couple later divorced.

In 2013, Cheryl moved to Watertown to be closer to her daughter and made her home at Henry Keep Apartments, where she resided for 13 years. During that time, she became a beloved member of the Henry Keep community and was known for her kindness and thoughtfulness. Cheryl made it a tradition to give every resident a birthday card on their birthday, a small gesture that meant so much to those around her.

Cheryl possessed remarkable wisdom and an incredible thirst for knowledge. She was self-taught and read the Britannica Encyclopedia, along with more than 5,000 books throughout her lifetime. She had a brilliant mind and was known for her profound wisdom and ability to seemingly have an answer to countless questions. She was truly a scholar in her own right and a matriarch within her family.

Cheryl also had a wonderful sense of fashion and took pride in always looking her best. She loved dressing up and was rarely seen without a carefully chosen outfit and one of her beautiful hats. Her distinctive style was an expression of her personality—elegant, confident, and uniquely Cheryl. Those who knew her will remember not only her wisdom and kindness, but also the special flair she brought wherever she went.

Family was at the heart of Cheryl’s life. She helped care for and raise her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with her great-grandchildren, especially during the holidays. She was known for calling family members not only on their birthdays, but also at the exact time they were born—a special tradition that reflected how deeply she cared for each of them.

Cheryl loved to travel and enjoyed visiting places throughout the United States and Europe, including a memorable trip to Hawaii. She also enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren. One of her favorite local landmarks was the clock on the Baptist Church, which she affectionately referred to as “Big Ben.”

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her daughter, Toini McCroy of Watertown, NY; her grandchildren, Angel McCroy and his wife, Pamela, of Granbury, Texas, and Orlando Garcia and Christine McGrath of Italy; her great-grandchildren, Aiden, Caroline, Jack, Madeline, and Juliana; and her many dear friends and extended family at Henry Keep Apartments.

She was predeceased by her parents and her aunt, Caroline Sehlmeyer.

Arrangements are with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. In keeping with Cheryl’s wishes, she will be cremated, and there will be no services at this time.

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.