Cheryl Arrington Olinde

Cheryl Ann Arrington Olinde, 73, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, June 6, 2026. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Joseph Beauregard “Beau” Olivier Olinde, Jr., two daughters: Emily Olinde Boudreaux and husband Brad, Adrienne Olinde Ledet and husband Glenn; five grandchildren: Oliver Beauregard Boudreaux, Everett James Boudreaux, Genevieve Ann Boudreaux, Evan Paul Ledet, and Adeline Marie Ledet. Cheryl was also survived by her sister Connie Arrington Vliet and husband Ellis. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Albert Arrington and Laura Ann Langvad Arrington.

Cheryl was born in Waukegan, Illinois on December 3, 1952. She moved to Baton Rouge as a child, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, and then from Louisiana Tech University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She taught kindergarten in Houston, Texas, moved back to Baton Rouge and married Beau. They built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

A thoughtful wife, caring mother, and cherished grandmother, she was also a passionate community advocate. She served as President of the Mental Health Association of Baton Rouge, and as a board member of the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, the Capital Area YMCA, and the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation. She was an active member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Symphony League, and other service organizations. Cheryl also gave her time and talents as a volunteer fundraiser for the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center, Cancer Services of Baton Rouge, and the Baton Rouge Gallery.

With a keen appreciation for beauty in nature and all forms of art, Cheryl embraced the world with curiosity and wonder. An avid traveler, among her favorite adventures were a trip to Africa with her beloved husband and a memorable family vacation to Canada with her husband, daughters, and their families. She was a talented gardener, who loved learning about and caring for plants.

Cheryl had boundless optimism and infectious joy. She was brave and strong, always facing challenges with a smile and hope. Above all, she was a faithful friend. Everyone who knew her, and even those who met her only briefly, felt seen, accepted, loved, and heard in her presence.

Cheryl’s faith was the foundation of everything she did. She loved her church family at First United Methodist Church, and found great joy in Christian fellowship and in encouraging others in their walk of faith. Her faith remained unwavering throughout her life. We take comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

Her spirit will live on forever when people choose a smile over a frown, choose to listen without judgment, and choose to pray without ceasing.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, on June 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Memorial Visitation will also be held at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, on June 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to First United Methodist Church, the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, the Emerge Center, or a charity of your choice.