Cheryl Lea Szalkowski

Cheryl Lea Szalkowski (Manna), 58, of Berlin, New Jersey, passed away on July 26, 2024. Born on November 19, 1965, in Camden, New Jersey, she was a beloved and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Cheryl grew up in Berlin, New Jersey, where she cultivated a lifelong passion for helping others, a trait that would define her entire life. She was a proud alumna of ECPI University, where she demonstrated academic excellence and a keen intellect. Throughout her career and personal life, Cheryl was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and her community.

An avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, Cheryl also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as tubing down a river on a warm summer day and savoring the taste of fresh seafood and a rare steak. She was an ardent fan of horror films and crime documentaries, often sharing these interests with her close circle. Her love for nature was evident in her appreciation for "thunderboomers," the term she affectionately used for thunderstorms.

Cheryl's warm sense of humor and enormous capacity for love made her a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew her. Her wisdom and the selfless care she bestowed upon her loved ones will forever be treasured.

She leaves behind a loving family: daughters Desiree Jones and Marissa Szalkowski; grandchildren Kylie and Lliam Jones; siblings Julie Gardener, Marci Williams, Joshua Manna, and her father, Joseph Manna. She is also survived by Donna Perona, her best friend of 50+ years. Cheryl was greeted in heaven by her grandmother, Doris Fleche, and her mother, Judith Manna.

In respecting Cheryl's preferences, there will be no formal services held. The family is being compassionately cared for by the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory in Atco, New Jersey. Cheryl's generous spirit and enduring kindness will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing her.