Cheryl A. Rommel

Cheri graced the world with her presence on June 17, 1961; born the first child to Mary Catherine (Tucker) Rommel and Roger Lee Rommel. Cheri shared an undeniable bond with each of her parents, which was evident throughout every stage of her life. As the eldest, she often filled the role of caretaker to her siblings and cousins. From a very young age, it was natural for her to nurture everyone around her. She graduated from Poland Central School, Utica College of Syracuse University earning a Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree in public administration at SUNY Albany.

Cheryl began her professional career at the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as an occupational therapist. She devoted her life’s work to those with developmental disabilities. She provided habilitation and therapy to countless individuals of all ages with whom she had close connections, knowing each one personally. Cheri’s dedication, advocacy and grace to people with varying abilities expanded throughout her career.

To serve more people in need of specialized care and direct services within the OPWDD system, she entered into leadership roles, holding many titles, sometimes two at once. She supervised and led teams, always striving to provide the highest standard of care. Cheryl served as a family care coordinator, team leader, quality assurance coordinator, Center for Intensive Treatment director, deputy director, and director for 15 counties in the Capital and Sunmount regions. Cheri carried herself as a leader humbly. She supported every member of her professional community with care, respect and high expectations. Cheri notably saw potential in her colleagues that they often could not see in themselves. She mentored and supported them, building their skills and confidence as they moved into expanded roles, ensuring their success in the future.

Upon retirement, Cheri continued her patterns of devotion by caring for family members facing terminal illnesses. She gave of herself tirelessly, lovingly and fully to her mother as she journeyed through the devastating disease of ALS. Cheri was a pillar of strength and support to her family during the most difficult times.

With deep sadness and fond memories, Cheri will be remembered by her loving companion Thomas Harrigan of Saranac Lake; her cherished children, Scott Robert Augustine (Danielle Pyle) of Portland, Oregon and Margaret Kate Augustine (Dolan Riley) of Quechee, Vermont; her brother Scott (Tracy) Rommel of Cold Brook and sister Holly Rommel of Barneveld; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Shane (Jasmine) Carroll, Jessi Carroll, Jake Rommel and Tori Rommel (Jordan LaSalle).

Cheri embodied family-oriented values, maintaining deep and meaningful relationships with each of her aunts, uncles and cousins. She became an essential member of the Harrigan family and loved her role as “Grandma” to four beautiful grandchildren. Her passing has left a void in the lives and hearts of so many.

Cheri has joined her loving mother Mary and her grandparents Roger and Margaret Rommel and John and Kathleen Tucker, as well as her uncles and aunts who have passed, Major (ret.) William Tucker, Roberta Putney, and her adopted “Uncle” Matt, in eternal life.

Calling hours will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A prayer service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Martin Cline officiating. For those unable to attend in person, the prayer service will be live-streamed at https://www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com/obituaries/cheryl-rommel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the causes dear to Cheri’s heart: The ALS Association of Utica, Meals on Wheels America, or Tri-Lakes Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.