Obituary of Cheryl Szumski

Belchertown- Cheryl Darling (Provost) Szumski, 77, was called home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2023. She was born on October 17, 1946 to Artrice (Messier) Provost and Charles Henry Provost. Cheryl was a graduate of Granby High School, where she enjoyed gymnastics. She spent most of her life working in healthcare and caring for others, including her father, whom she took great care of for almost a decade until his passing. Many of her years were spent working at the Holyoke Geriatric Authority and later at Meadowood Nursing Home of South Hadley. She took advanced studies in deaf culture at Holyoke Community College in order to support young women with hearing impairments through the Department of Developmental Services. Wherever Cheryl worked, she brought joy to her patients, always going above and beyond to ensure she provided quality care and more than a few laughs. She LOVED to talk! And to say she was a people person would be an overwhelming understatement. Cheryl loved horses and dogs and running a small farm in Belchertown for many years with her husband of 39 years, Mick (Michael) Szumski, and reluctant children, Michael Greaney, (Chicopee) and Meredith Stanton (Holyoke). She spent many hours riding her beloved horse, Misty, in the woods, on trails in both Granby and Belchertown, with her longtime friend Connie (Jeffery) Quinlan. She also leaves her big sister and best friend, Star Ouimet of Chicopee, behind. The two of them together raised a brood of children, pretty good ones too, setting them free into the world with big hearts and a sense of humor not unlike their own. She and her sister talked every day for hours on end, and once Cheryl learned how to merge a call, you may have found yourself part of their conversation. Cheryl also leaves behind her three stepchildren, Victoria Latham and her husband Michael of Colorado, Paul Szumski of Northampton, and Eve Cadigan of South Hadley. Eve was a blessing to Cheryl. She was always willing to help her organize, bring food, do errands, and just provide patience and good company. Our family is so grateful to her. Cheryl also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, Damian, Samuel, Jenifer, Alyssa and Kelsey, 5 great-grandchildren, and her fussy little dog, whom she adored. Cheryl loved us all unconditionally.
Services are private and at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cheryl’s name to the Belchertown Senior Center, where Cheryl loved to lunch with her friends.