Beloved wife, devoted mother, and loving friend Cheryl Lynn (McCloskey) Loshnowsky of Gilbertsville, PA passed away on December 31, 2022, following a courageous fight with an aggressive brain cancer. Born on March 30, 1969, she was 53 years old.
Cheryl is survived by her husband Erik Loshnowsky, with whom she was married for 19 years, daughter Maura, fur-baby Stewie, and several close friends as her family: cherished “sister” of 44 years to Melissa (Middleman) Firman; adoring “aunt” of Melissa and Michael Marazas; and incredible friend to Jessica Kateusz and Jennifer Mitchell-Winterbottom, who all gave abundant love, care, and support to Cheryl over the past 18 months during four arduous brain surgeries, infusion treatments, therapies, and more.
Always proud of her Northeast Philadelphia roots and Irish heritage, Cheryl grew up in the Lawncrest neighborhood as the loving daughter of the late George McCloskey and Florence “Alma” (Kelly) McCloskey (deceased 2016 and 2017, respectively) and treasured niece of her beloved late Aunt “Hon,” Helen (McCloskey) Holloway. She graduated in 1987 from Cedar Grove Christian Academy and Temple University in 1994. She attended and served on Church Council at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Burholme. Cheryl held staff accountant/business operations/office manager positions with various corporations, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations throughout the Philadelphia area, bringing professionalism, a strong work ethic, and great camaraderie to her teams.
A dedicated powerhouse of a volunteer for her daughter Maura’s many activities, Cheryl was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for more than a decade, organizing countless trips, cookie sales, and special events while also serving on the Service Unit Board. She became active in 2013 with TOPS Swimming, serving in every role from bake table/volunteer coordinator to Treasurer. Cheryl was a USA official for TOPS swim meets, traveling throughout the region with the teams, and holding a board position. She volunteered at Hillside Aquatic Club as an official and volunteer coordinator, served as Vice President of the Board, and was the Club Representative on the Hillside Piranhas Swim Team Board.
When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Cheryl was a foodie, enjoying great meals of lobster tail or prime rib with good friends. She passionately cheered on her Philadelphia Flyers, Phillies, Wings, and Phantoms – and, for reasons unknown, the Dallas Cowboys; loved to travel, especially to her beloved Ocean City, NJ for Prep’s Pizza, as well as Myrtle Beach, Disney World, New York City, and on various cruises. Accompanying her always (including during the final hours of her life) was the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow, and her #1 favorite, Tim McGraw, whose song “My Best Friend” was Cheryl and Erik’s first dance at their November 2003 wedding. Indeed, for so many of us, Cheryl will remain that best friend, forever loved and deeply missed.
Friends and family are invited to Cheryl’s Celebration of Life service on January 6, 2023 with a viewing from 9-11am and a service at 11am at Catagnus Funeral Home, 711 N Franklin St, Pottstown, PA 19464 with a luncheon following at Good Will Fire Co, 714 E High St, Pottstown, PA 19464.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: GoFundMe https://gofund.me/bec0686d for Cheryl’s medical expenses and support of Erik and Maura Loshnowsky. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Manatawny Service Unit #642, 212 Prospect Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 (please make checks payable to GSEP FBO Manatawny SU)