Cheryl Lynn Tarpo

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, our beloved Cheryl Tarpo (Mucher Dore), age 62, of Ogden Dunes received her wings in peace to start a heavenly journey. Having a spirit that would always light a room, her light has been extinguished far too soon. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Millicent Mucher (Fergus). Raised in Northlake, IL, Cheryl graduated from West Leyden High School in 1980 and Columbia College. She worked for several years in public relations, primarily with the Gatorade account and was proud of her work marketing Gatorade to NFL trainers. After obtaining a master’s degree in education from Aurora University, she taught elementary school for the Plainfield (IL) School District. Cheryl had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing with the Triton College choir while taking classes there. She is survived by her husband, David; daughter, Gabrielle Mills (Rob); stepdaughters: Natalie Tarpo, Rachel Tarpo and Jessica Tarpo; brother, George Mucher (Tamara); beloved niece, Zoe Mucher; nephew, Ian Mucher; devoted mother-in-law, Judy Tarpo; father-in-law, James Tarpo, Jr. (Margaret); Gabrielle's father, Rick Dore (Linda); close cousins, Wendy Rube and Denise Licciardi and a wide network of extended family and friends. In 2008, fate brought Cheryl and her husband David together. Their complementary personalities formed the basis of a strong 16-year marriage during which they raised their blended family of girls. Cheryl was an accomplished woman who lived life to the fullest, traveling all 7 continents with her husband, exploring restaurants in Chicago, frequently hosting parties, sharing weekends with girlfriends, and mentoring the young people in her life. With her outgoing personality, she collected friends throughout her life and enjoyed connecting new friends with longtime friends. During the day she could often be found walking the beach searching for nature's treasures with her dog Riley, while in the evenings she savored lakefront sunsets with her husband and friends. An excellent and adventurous cook, Cheryl's home was always open for Monday soup nights with friends as a great way to start off the week. Cheryl excelled at creative cookie baking and decorating, and repeatedly won Best Cookie and Best Packaging awards at her friends' annual holiday cookie contest. An active member of her community, Cheryl was past President and Treasurer of the Ogden Dunes (IN) Women's Club and enjoyed planning fundraising events. She was an avid reader her entire life and participated in the Ogden Dunes Book Club. She very much enjoyed mentoring others, especially young people, and she befriended, encouraged and inspired girls from Willowcreek Middle School through the Girls To Women program. Following her initial cancer diagnosis, she served as a Mentor Angel to numerous fellow cancer fighters through the Imerman Angels organization. Our dear Cheryl bravely endured a 16-year battle with breast cancer. She fought the battle tenaciously and with a strong heart. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Premier Oncology & Hematology in Merrillville (IN) along with Dr. Bharat Barai and his staff for their exceptional efforts over the years to treat Cheryl's illness. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, from 1 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 5 p.m. Rev. Tom Clark officiating. Cheryl will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the many lives that she touched with her beautiful spirit. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her life by making a donation to Imerman Angels (imermanangels.org). www.burnsfuneral.com

Cheryl Lynn Tarpo

April 30, 1962 - July 30, 2024