Cheryl M. (Zadroga) Connolly

Cheryl M. Connolly

Cheryl Marie Connolly (nee Zadroga) of Abington, PA, passed at the age 46 surrounded by family on September 22, 2022.  Born November 8, 1975, Cheryl graduated from Abington Senior High School in 1993 and received her Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Shippensburg University in 1997.  Cheryl was a disciplined athlete in her youth - participating in ballet, swim, track and cross county - she was always on th go!  She was a Girl Scout for 12 years and co-led a troop for several years as an adult.  Cheryl worked as a lifeguard and assistant manager at Upper Moreland Swim Club and later interned at Channel 29 News Philadelphia and Channel 69 News Allentown, which led her to be News Director at Channel 13 in Lehighton, PA.  Later on, she realized her true passion and obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy from Temple University in 2004.  Cheryl enjoyed her career as an OTR/L at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

On September 24, 2005, Cheryl married her soulmate Brian on the beach at Cape May Point, NJ.  Together with their puppies, Abby, Ciara, and Nauti, they lived in West Chester and Abington.  Cheryl enjoyed camping, concerts, traveling (especially cruises), spending summers in Cape May Point and The Villas, NJ, and a good bottle of wine.  Cheryl's nearly 18-year battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) was filled with love and adventure; she celebrated each day! Her positive attitude and radiant smile were an inspiration to all who met Cheryl.  Cheryl was the best listener, a wise advice giver, and greatest cheerleader and friend.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, Carl Zadroga, and her beloved husband, Brian K, Connolly.  Cheryl is survived by her mother Marie Zadroga and brother Michael Zadroga (Heather); her in-laws Sarah (Raup) and Lloyd Noll; brother-in-law James (Gulin) and sister-in-law Sharon; and six nieces and nephews, Alex, Aleyna, Ava, Ayden, Jimmy, and Rylie.  In addition to her family, Cheryl will be greatly missed by her friends, godchildren, and many honorary nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002 or follow this link to donate directly to The Walk to Defeat ALS   http://webpa.alsa.org/goto/TheWalkingLadybugs