Cheryl Larin

As family and friends would surely attest, Cheryl Larin truly lived each and every day to the very fullest. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Cheryl more joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her caring heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone and everyone around her. Deeply loved, Cheryl will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The late 1950s are remembered as a decade of great social revolution in the United States. The civil rights movement was in full swing, bringing with it promises of a brighter future for many, and the country was also experiencing an economic boom and many advancements that made everyday life just a little bit easier. It was during this exciting time that Doyle “Jack” and Evelyn Ruth (Lair) Harper of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second child. On May 30, 1957, their wait was over, and they welcomed their daughter, Cheryl Ann, into the world.

Throughout her childhood, Cheryl was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home as the middle of three girls. Cheryl’s father, Jack, was a factory worker, and her mother, Evelyn, was a seamstress. Her father taught her to cook, fish, change a tire, and be completely independent. From a young age, Cheryl was known not just for her mischievous ways and her love for pranks but also for her generous heart. She once read about a teenager who had been in an accident, and she and her sister decided to bring him flowers. After her parents divorced, they both remarried and Cheryl’s family grew to include several new siblings. She attended local schools growing up, including East Leonard Elementary School, West Middle School, and Central High School. After leaving high school, Cheryl then began working as a waitress at Little Mexico, a staple restaurant at the time on the NW side of Grand Rapids.

All who knew Cheryl can certainly agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she cherished her family above all else. At one of her father’s performances at the Venture Inn in Grand Rapids, she met a man who she would soon marry. The two welcomed four beloved children, Yolonda, Timothy, Shaun, and Tricia, into their hearts and home. Cheryl thrived in her role as a mother, and raising her children was her greatest passion. She loved teaching them to cook, chasing them around the house in a game of “monkey,” and even playing pranks on them. Cheryl always allowed her children to explore, get dirty, and of course play tricks of their own. She found so much happiness and purpose in being a stay at home mother.

In 2003, Cheryl met the man who she would often describe as her soul mate. His name was Mike Larin, and the two first met in an AOL chat room. Mike was from Frankford, Ontario, and he had three young children of his own. Cheryl and Mike talked online for a year before deciding to meet in person, and she went to Ontario to meet his family. Their relationship only flourished from there. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Cheryl and Mike were married on December 30, 2004, in Coopersville, Michigan. She moved to Ontario to be with Mike, and she was honored to be able to love his three children, Jasmin, Misha, and Joseph, as her own. The family enjoyed camping trips and boat rides. Later in life, Cheryl was thrilled to become a grandmother as well. She always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Cheryl was an active member in her workplace, her community, and her church. After her children were grown up and out of the house, she began working as a nurse aid at Christian Rest Home. When she moved to Ontario, Cheryl worked at a care center for developmentally disabled adults in Campbellford. She felt it was there that she truly found her people, and she loved each moment of her career there until her retirement. Cheryl was a strong Christian and had a deep, unshakeable faith. She raised her children in her faith as well, and they attended Grand Valley Baptist Church. Cheryl had a heart for people, and she was always happiest when she was helping those around her.

Never one to sit still for long, Cheryl pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She tended to her large vegetable garden, and she enjoyed canning as well. Cheryl loved a good bonfire in the backyard. She took great care of her beloved dogs, and in her later years, she found that she liked to knit. Cheryl enjoyed singing and dancing in the kitchen, especially to the Judds, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, and Patsy Cline. Her favorite TV shows were Naked and Afraid, Survivor, and Alone. Cheryl played in a bowling league, and she had a love for horror movies. She liked going for motorcycle rides, spending time outdoors, and watching the Trent River from the deck of her home.

While looking back on the life of Cheryl Larin, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and service to others, and she was never afraid to speak her mind. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Cheryl was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew her. Her primary focus in life was building personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Cheryl leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Cheryl (Harper) Larin age 67 of Frankford, Ontario, formerly of Grand Rapids, a servant of Christ, was welcomed home into the arms of her Savior following a four and a half year battle with Leukemia. She was preceded in death by her son, Shaun McClurken; parents. Evelyn Woods and Doyle “Jack” (Sandy) Harper. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 20 years, Mike “Mikey” Larin; children, Yolonda McClurken, Timothy (Jena) McClurken, Tricia (Ryan O’Hearn) Chupp, Jasmin Larin, Misha Larin and Joseph (Taylor) Larin; grandchildren, Brendon Graham, MaKailah Chupp, Nathan Graham, Caitlyn Chupp, Joycelyn McClurken, Melaina McClurken, Isabella Stewart and Blair Stewart. Also surviving are her siblings, Neda (Carter) Myers, Carol (David) Clark, Colette Harper, Kailey Stevens, Sean (Nicole) Stevens and Kindra (Chris) Jones; and many nieces and nephews.