Cheryl Lynn Denelli Righter was a force of nature. She an activist for peace and equality, helped children as a paraprofessional for a decade, and was a shared living provider for a woman with cerebral palsy for 18 years. She raised her only daughter as a single mother after a drunk driver tragically killed her husband when their baby was barely two years old. Cheryl had a massive stroke on February 12, 2013, but her heart continued beating until Valentine's Day. "Mum believed that everything happened for a reason, and I believe she chose Carmen Tarleton Blandin specifically to be the recipient of her beautiful face," said her daughter Marinda. "We are so very proud of my mother's legend."

Cheryl's Story

Cheryl Lynn Denelli Righter was a force of nature. She enjoyed the simple things in life and inspired those around her stop and smell the roses. Cheryl was a hard worker and an activist for peace and equality, believing everyone deserves a fair chance at life regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or religion.

As a paraprofessional for over ten years, many children's lives were affected as she helped those needing more learning attention as well as showing them the joy in learning. Cheryl was also a shared living provider for 18 years for a woman with cerebral palsy. She took her in, gave her quality of life, and made her part of the family.

Cheryl lived for her family and friends. She was loved by many, as she loved many, and her infectious energy brought life to every gathering. She was an incredibly resilient woman, raising her only daughter, Marinda Snow, as a single mother after a drunk driver tragically killed her husband when their baby was barely two years old. Introducing dance and music early in Marinda's life, they danced the dance of life and were each other's favorite dance partners. A favorite was CSNY's "Carry On": "Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all."

"My mother believed that what you put out into the universe you'll get back twofold," said Marinda. "It was very fitting that this incredible woman decided to be an organ donor a long time ago." She had a massive stroke on February 12, 2013, but her heart continued beating until Valentine's Day when she was able to give the biggest gifts of love in her life.

"Mum believed that everything happened for a reason, and I believe she chose Carmen Tarleton Blandin specifically to be the recipient of her beautiful face," said Marinda. "We are so very proud of my mother's legend. To be able to see her physical face on someone else's is truly a miracle and a blessing. She was also able to donate her liver and two kidneys to three others. She lives on and has affected the lives of many people all over the world as her story continues to be shared."