Sherry Balboni

Cheryl Louise “Sherry” Balboni was born at her home in Fayetteville, West Virginia, on November 28, 1946. She was raised alongside her older brother James “Skip” Stanley by her parents, James and Julia Stanley, and graduated from Xenia High School in Xenia, Ohio in 1964.

In 1966, Sherry married David DeForge of Colchester, Vermont, where the couple made their home and began their family. They welcomed their son Michael, in 1969, and their daughter Michelle, in 1970. Sherry was a loving mother, not only to Michael and Michelle, but also to so many others whose lives she touched with her kindness, compassion, and nurturing spirit.

In 1985, Sherry married Edward Balboni, and gained four wonderful bonus children, Eddie, Paul, Tina, and Becky. Together Sherry and Ed lived in Vermont and Maine, before moving south to Savannah, Tennessee, Ocala, Florida, and Panama City, Florida. Sherry and Ed lived in many homes, always seeking to be close to their children and grandchildren. No matter where life took them, Sherry had a special gift for making every house feel like home. She filled each one with warmth, laughter, and open doors, creating a place where family and friends always felt welcomed and loved.

Sherry worked in more restaurants than anyone could count and was always known as the nicest woman in any room. She was known for her strong work ethic, genuine kindness, and warm smile that made everyone feel like family. Her daughter, Michelle, fondly remembers working in one of the restaurants that Sherry managed, and seeing firsthand how everyone admired her, and were envious that the Sherry Balboni was her mom.

Sherry loved to read and bake, something she shared with her children and grandchildren. If you were to have lunch at Sherry's house, she would always have a pineapple upside down cake ready to share. She was also a talented jewelry maker who enjoyed beading and delighted in sharing her beautiful creations with family and friends. She was always on the hunt for new beads, charms, and, of course, Hobby Lobby coupons. Sherry was an avid shopper and loved finding a good deal and loved a good day out even more. She had a passion for planting flowers and loved to keep a beautiful yard. Sherry also cherished time spent traveling to Ohio to visit two of her dearest friends, Phyllis and Anne. Together, the three shared an extraordinary friendship and affectionately referred to themselves as “The Butsies.” Their time together was filled with laughter, treasured memories, and a bond that remained strong throughout the years.

Above all else, Sherry cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and Mamaw who found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by the people that she loved. Whether hosting holiday gatherings, planning sleepovers with her grandchildren, or simply opening her home for a visit, Sherry created countless treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of her family for generations.

Sherry passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the age of 79 years, 7 months, and 15 days.

Sherry is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ed; children, Michael DeForge (Sonya), and Michelle McCall (Chris); grandchildren, Ryleigh DeForge Heidelberg (Adam), Matthew DeForge (Brandi), Alexis McCall, and Arielle McCall; great-grandchildren Ryan DeForge and Kylie DeForge; and her sister at heart, Linda Towne. Sherry was a wonderful stepmother to Eddie Balboni (Jill), Paul Balboni (Kathleen), Tina Houghtaling (Rusty), and Becky Balboni; and a loving Mamaw to grandchildren, Alexis Balboni, Sabrina Balboni, Meaghan Balboni, Emily Houghtaling, Casey Houghtaling, and Brittany Bailey; great-grandchildren, Miles Balboni, Teddy Spring, and Beau Boulanger; and a host of extended family and friends who she cherished so deeply.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, James and Julia Stanely; beloved brother, Skip Stanley; and her first husband, David DeForge.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sherry will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, which would have been her 80th birthday. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember, celebrate, and honor the beautiful life she lived.