Cheryl Ann Tooley

Cheryl “Cher” Tooley, 74, of Howard, WI, entered into the loving arms of Jesus on November 16, passing peacefully with her family by her side. She faced Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with courage, grace and powerful faith over the past seven months.

Cher married the love of her life, Pete Tooley, in 1988, making him — in his words — the happiest man alive. She became a devoted stepmother to Dawn (James) and Dan (Karen), and she remained deeply proud of them throughout her life, especially in how they kept Jesus at the center of their families.

She was blessed with five grandchildren — Cayla (Jesse), Austen, Adelyn, Alyla, and Analese — and welcomed her first great-grandson, Carson, this year. One of her most recent prayers was to stay on earth long enough to meet him, and God granted that gift. Just a week before she passed, Cher was able to hold him and give him a bottle during a comical surprise Beatles tribute her family organized at home — wigs, guitars, and all! On Saturday, November 15, Carson was baptized, anointed with oils on the very same day Cher received her last rites anointing. This was very powerful and we know meant so much to Cheryl.

Cher graduated from Deaconess with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1973. She spent several years serving in Milwaukee before moving to Green Bay, where she dedicated 43 years to St. Vincent Hospital. Her roles ranged from surgical nurse to OR director, and she especially cherished teaching surgical nursing to new RNs through her work as Adjunct Faculty at NWTC.

Her faith was central in her life. Cher served joyfully in many ministries at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, including Altar Guild, Usher, Lay Reader, and Lay Eucharistic Minister. She visited many people in their homes, hospitals, and care facilities to bring them the Eucharist and offer prayer. She co-led the parish prayer chain with Pete for many years and prayed daily for those in need. Cher was passionate about feeding the homeless at St John’s ministries and packing meals for the Feed My Starving Children charity. Cher also deeply loved serving on Cursillo faith-building weekends, where she served on over 40 weekends spanning over 35 years.

Cher treasured time with her family — especially Christmas Eve gatherings at her home and countless camping trips over the years. She embraced grand-motherhood by babysitting often, taking grandkids camping, throwing tea parties, proudly displayed grandkids’ artwork, loved hiding Easter baskets and so much more. She cherished traveling with Pete, with a special fondness for America’s National Parks. Cher loved shell-picking at any beach! She was blessed with so many dear friendships throughout her long and meaningful life. She will be so deeply missed!

Additional survivors include brothers Dave (Sandy), Brian (Friend Jan), many dear nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and cherished sister-in-laws. Cher was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Richard, her sister Sue, her brother Steve, and several aunts and uncles.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr Katrina at Prevea and Dr Soe at Froedtert Hospital, along with the Oncology Department at HSHS and Unity Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

Any donations received will be used to feed the hungry at St. John’s Shelters and for the Feed My Starving Children food packs.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 347 Libal St, DePere WI Saturday, January 10, 2026 Visitation: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Funeral Service: 11:15 a.m. Lunch immediately following.