Cherryl D Damms

She was the daughter of Deryck and Ria Vice and spent her childhood and early adulthood in Durban, where she attended teaching college and met her husband, Michael Damms. In her early adulthood, Cherryl also developed a love for ballroom dancing. It was through dancing that she met Michael, and together they enjoyed attending formal dances and participating in competitions.

Cherryl was a devoted educator for several decades, working with both elementary and high school students. A pioneer in special education, she felt a deep calling to support children with learning disabilities as well as students learning English as a second language. She was beloved by her students and colleagues for her patience, creativity, and unwavering commitment.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Cherryl also drove a school bus from her small town to the city where she taught. She worked part-time as a paramedic and created an extracurricular first aid course for her students, equipping them with practical, lifesaving skills.

Cherryl and Michael raised their two children, Adrian and Michelle, while living throughout Southern Africa, often in remote and breathtaking regions. Life there was filled with adventure—monthly grocery trips by small airplane and evenings that included drives to the river with sightings of giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Family vacations were often spent camping along the Indian Ocean, creating cherished lifelong memories.

An active and determined individual, Cherryl pursued cycling, running, weightlifting, and underwater hockey, competing at the state level. Her energy and enthusiasm for life were evident in everything she did.

In 1994, Cherryl and her family moved to Florida, where she continued her work in public mental health and earned her master’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Alongside her husband, she helped grow a small garage-based venture importing spearfishing and freediving equipment into a successful storefront business, Florida Freedivers, which she managed for many years. Her warmth and welcoming spirit made everyone who walked through the door feel at home.

Around the time of her retirement, Cherryl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Even so, she continued to live actively and courageously, joining a CrossFit gym and taking up boxing—true to her resilient spirit.

Cherryl was a devoted wife to Michael and a loving mother to Adrian Damms and Michelle Trawinski. She took immense pride in her growing family and cherished every moment with her grandchildren: Kaden Damms, Nicholas Damms, Joshua Burns, Kamoryn Damms, Kylyne Damms, Lauryn Varnum, Leeana Varnum, and Laice Varnum. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Renee Damms, and son-in-law, Marcin Trawinski, whom she embraced with the same warmth as her own children, and by her beloved sister, Desiree, of New Zealand.

Cherryl always nurtured her playful side. She loved a silly joke and had an easy, joyful laugh. Despite her illness, she never complained. While she was a hardworking and dedicated teacher, she also delighted in occasionally “playing hooky” with her daughter. Michelle holds fond memories of those stolen moments—sharing coffee, talking, and simply enjoying time together.

Cherryl loved to travel, connect with others, and build meaningful relationships throughout her life. She continued forming friendships and sharing her kindness even in her final months.

She will be remembered for her grace, strength, warmth, and unwavering love for her family. Her life was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her presence will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cherryl’s memory to:

Trustbridge Hospice (https://trustbridge.com/foundation/ways-to-give/memorial-giving/memorial-donation/)

The Humane League (https://thehumaneleague.org/).