Cheryl A. Atchison, 74, of Smithfield, RI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, at Stillwater Nursing and Assisted Living in Smithfield. She was the beloved wife of Edward J. “Ed” Atchison, with whom she shared 14 loving years of marriage.
Born in Attleboro, MA, Cheryl was the daughter of the late Donald and Doris (Smollins) Swenson. She spent most of her life in Smithfield.
A dedicated caregiver by nature, Cheryl worked as a nurse in several nursing homes. Beforehand, she was pursuing her nursing degree while raising her three children. She also served as a school bus driver for the town of Glocester, RI.
Cheryl had a passion for travel and cherished spending winters in Naples, FL with her husband. She found great joy in time spent with her grandchildren and loved gardening, shopping, and decorating in her spare time.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Janna Drew and her husband Matthew of North Providence, Kristy Kerte of North Providence, and Evan Kerte of North Providence. She was a devoted grandmother to Sydney Drew, Dylan Drew, Jackson Burns-Kerte, Ava Kerte, and Julia Burns-Kerte.
She was predeceased by her siblings Derith Gamache, David “Rex” Swenson, Garry Swenson, and Ronald “Ronnie” Swenson.
Cheryl will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.
Her funeral service will be held Monday July 28th at 6:30pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Visitation will be Monday 4-7pm. Her burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906 would be appreciated.