Charissa Naomi Tucker

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charissa of Alliston, Ontario, lovingly called “Cherry,” on April 4, 2025, at Sunnybrook Hospital. Cherry was a force of nature and dedicated her life to God, family, and service. To know Charissa was to know love, she laughed easily, smiled always, and radiated warmth with her constant hugs and kisses.

Charissa rejoins in eternal life, her parents, Eric and Ethel Lewis. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 33 years, Keith and the joy of her life, her daughter, Sereena, affectionately known as “Muffin.” She will be forever missed by her sister Frances (Bill), brother-in-law Brian (Avis), nephews Ajani and Denzel, niece Erica (Ravis), and great nephew Ryse. Her “Let’s go!” attitude, quirky sense of humor, endless pranks, and “cherry” outlook on life will be fondly remembered by her cousins and friends across the Caribbean, Canada, and United States.

Born in Aruba and raised in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Charissa immigrated to Montreal and eventually settled in Toronto. She was an avid reader, loved poetry and literature ranging from Shakespeare to Frantz Fanon, collected art of the African diaspora, and enjoyed spending time near the water. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Toronto, and later her MBA from Walden University. As a Human Resources professional, she dedicated herself to her community through various non-profits such as Family Service Toronto, where she served on the senior leadership team and cherished her FST colleagues. She was a fierce advocate for increasing the accessibility of education and was passionate about providing training, education, and employment opportunities to recent immigrants to Toronto. Even during the darkest times in her seven-year battle against cancer, Cherry remained a woman of faith, following God and finding peace in the Bible.

It was an honour to circle around Charissa’s loving orbit, and her wisdom will be forever remembered. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes (8088 Yonge St.). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Theodore of Canterbury Anglican Church (111 Cactus Ave.). Interment at York Cemetery, following the internment there will be a reception at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes - Thornhill).