Cheryl L Henze Cocanower

Cheryl Lynn Cocanower, 46, of Newburgh, passed away Thursday, September 2, 2010, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was born in Freeport, Illinois on July 12, 1964, and grew up on a farm in Dakota, Illinois.

She graduated from Dakota High School in 1982 and then studied, and graduated from nursing school at Goshen College. She met her husband, Dave, while working as a critical care nurse in South Bend, Indiana. They were married in 1989, and lived in Detroit, Michigan for seven years where she worked at Henry Ford Hospital in a medical ICU. She decided to stay at home once her children were born.

Cheryl had a deep love for her family, and worked tirelessly to support her husband, and children. She taught her children school for three years to increase time spent in their nurturing. She had a design talent, and helped plan and decorate her husband’s place of business, and home. She was a great cook, and had a gift of hospitality.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was her anchor in life, and the foundation for how she chose to live life. She loved to worship, and sought the fullness of life as promised by Christ. She had a heart for mission ministries, and was a member, and leader of teams that traveled abroad. She loved people, and people loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 21 years, David Cocanower, and children Jordan, Megan, and Evan. She is also survived by her parents Jerry and Sylvia Henze, and siblings Jill, Sue, and Joel.

A memorial service will be 6 PM Sunday, September 5, 2010, at Crossroads Christian Church. Friends may visit from 4 PM until service time at the church.