Cheryl Lynn Abrams

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Cheryl Lynn Abrams
May 17, 1956 – January 10, 2025
Cheryl Abrams completed her life’s journey on January 10th, her husband David and caring staff and volunteers of Francis House by her side. Her soul is now free to continue to the next phase of her timeless spiritual voyage. Born and raised in Syracuse, Cheryl developed a thirst for learning, exploration and creative expression. Along the way she earned an A.S. degree in English and Journalism from Onondaga Community College, a B.A. degree in English and Communications from Le Moyne College and an M.S. degree in Communications Management from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. Cheryl’s expertise in English and creative writing led to a successful career as a writer and communications specialist, including a 15-year tenure as the Director of Communications & Digital Media at Crouse Hospital. Earlier, she had served as Public Relations Director for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, an outcome that grew from a deep passion for music that began while courting her classically trained husband-to-be. Beyond her work life, Cheryl pursued and nourished the spiritual side of her being that defined her personal growth and self-awareness. Early on, Cheryl and her mother, Kathleen Merrow, performed rituals celebrating new and full moons. As Cheryl would say, “we live by the sun, but we feel by the moon.” These bimonthly rituals would continue unabated until the next-to-last day of her life. Longtime best friends and fellow moon-worshippers Barb Buckley Raum, Marguerite Carroll and Deb Klein joined her, via conference call spanning three remote cities, for her final moon ritual. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 42 years, retired music professor David Abrams, brother William Merrow, niece Gina Husted, nephew Anthony Merrow and a host of very dear friends, who in addition to her three “moon buddies” includes Jeff Comanici, Christine Mousseau, Brenda Wrigley and Cathy Pontante. A mass in Cheryl’s honor will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, at Holy Family Catholic Church,127 Chapel Drive in Fairmount. It was Cheryl’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, you kindly consider a donation in her memory to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208.