Cheetham's caring spirit forever remembered

MILAN TWP. — Many community members are mourning the loss of a woman who they collectively consider as a caring, compassion and leading individual always looking out for others. On Monday, Marianne "Mari" Cheetham passed away. She was 74. The Sandusky native passed peacefully while in Cleveland after a brief illness, according to her obituary. A proud legacy As she grew up in the city, Cheetham created friendships and a sense of community. After graduating from Sandusky High School in 1969, she continued her education at The Ohio State School of Cosmetology where she followed her passion for beauty and care. She later graduated in 1971. Her roots in Sandusky grew through her involvement in organizations like Sandusky LEADS, now known as Leadership Erie County, where she prepared future leaders to serve their communities. Cheetham's professional career also illustrates her devotion to helping others. She was an administrative assistant, planner and 911 specialist with Erie County Emergency Management Agency. After two decades, she retired in 2017. Her caring personality also shone through in her work at Groff Funeral Home and Toft Funeral Home where she acted in several roles, including as an office administrator and a hairstylist. She also served as secretary of Sandusky Rotary for more than 30 years. She remained active in her downtime. She was a participant in the Perkins Athletic Booster Club and Firelands Area Art League. She enjoyed being creative through watercolor and could often be found crocheting gifts, such as baby blankets, or cooking meals. Cheetham had a love for playing cards, laughing with others, visiting Amish County, gardening, going on a shopping trip and reading, which she passed to her daughter Elaine. Funeral information She is survived through several friends and familiy, including her daughter, Elaine Cheetham; her son, Christopher Cheetham; twin sister, Gerianne (Tim) Bogard; brother, David L. (Paula) Rengel; sisters, Dianne (Steve) Westcott and Peggy (Jim) Lewis; sister-in-law, Marta Cheetham; special friend, Jeff Roth; and cherished friend, Linda Kelley. She and her values will also be remembered through her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and honorary grandchildren. Calling is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Funeral services will begin at noon with the Rev. Ken Hiser overseeing services. A private burial will follow at Meadow Green Memorial Park in Huron. Contributions to Marianne's memory can be made through the Sandusky Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 717, Sandusky, OH 44871 or the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior St., Sandusky, OH 44870 and condolences may be shared at toftfuneralhome.com. Parting words Her loss will be felt by the organizations forever connected to her. • North Point Educational Service Center: We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of Marianne Cheetham, a valued member of the North Point ESC Governing Board. Marianne joined the (North Point) board in September 2014 and faithfully served for more than a decade as a true champion of education and children. She brought a steady presence, thoughtful leadership and a genuine love for students and schools to all she did. Marianne will be remembered for her warm smile, kindness and constant encouragement of others. Her impact on this organization and the communities we serve will not be forgotten. Everyone at North Point Educational Service Center extends our deepest condolences to Marianne's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. • EHOVE Career Center: EHOVE Career Center is sad to announce the passing of board of education member Marianne Cheetham of Sandusky. First appointed to EHOVE's board in January 2020 as a North Point Educational Service Center representative, she was very involved in the community. "To know Marianne was to know a friend. She was dedicated not only to her family and friends but her entire community," superintendent Chris McCully said. "Her commitment to educational excellence and EHOVE's mission was clear. She was active in many community organizations and boards that championed all causes that led to making her community better for everyone. You knew how much she cared about EHOVE, our staff, our students and the school community. Her compassion, energy and leadership will be missed." Last week, Cheetham told an EHOVE staff member how much she enjoyed being an EHOVE board of education member and loved all of the staff. She said that she was so proud of all the big things going on at EHOVE, which will be amazing. All EHOVE staff who had the opportunity to know her agree that she was always very thoughtful and would do anything to help anyone. Condolences to the family and friends of Marianne Cheetham from the entire EHOVE Family. • Erie County Emergency Management Agency: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marianne Cheetham. Marianne was an administrative assistant, planner and 911 specialist for the EMA office for over 20 years and retired in 2017. Marianne played a key role as the information coordinator for the Erie County local emergency planning committee, the day-to-day operations of the (agency) office, grant reporting and organizing trainings for many of our local first responders. Marianne was very active in the community as well and will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathies to her family and friends. • Erie County Sheriff's Office: Our agency's deepest sympathies are extended to Marianne's family and co-workers. She was a caring and professional colleague. May she rest in peace.