Margaret Kerr Cheney

WINTER HAVEN - Margaret Kerr Cheney, 87, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2018. Born on February 26, 1930, in New Haven CT, to William Waugh Bell Kerr and Mary Stewart McKinnon Paterson Kerr, she grew up in Hamden CT. She was a cheerleader at Hamden High School, the same school attended by her future husband, Richard "Dick" Cunningham Cheney. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1951 with an English degree. After graduation, she worked as a social worker. She and Dick were married on July 23, 1955. In 1964, they moved to Winter Haven with their young children. She was a long-time member of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church. Once her children were older, she worked again as a social worker, this time for the Florida Department of Aging and Adult Services. She started volunteering at an early age. One of her favorite experiences while attending college was teaching archery as a camp counselor in Maine. In Winter Haven, she volunteered with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She enjoyed leisure activities with her many Winter Haven friends, including playing tennis, golf, and bridge. She was a passionate fan of the UConn Huskies basketball teams. Music was a big part of her life. She loved playing the piano, particularly surrounded by singing family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling. One of her favorite trips was to Scotland with her husband, brother, and sister-in-law to visit the Kerr family section of the Jedburgh Abbey. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother William Paterson Kerr. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard Cheney; daughters Beth Cheney of Raleigh, NC, Sara Hallett (Josh), and Mary Ellen Cheney of Winter Haven; son Richard Cheney, Jr. (Shanon) of Rocky Mount, NC; granddaughters Catherine Margaret Cheney and Alexandra Elizabeth Cheney; and grandson Trevor Watkins Hallett. Her memorial service will be held at Beymer Church in Winter Haven on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Beymer Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice. Condolences to the family can be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.