GILMANTON IW ---- Cheryl L. Stafford, 78, of Gilmanton Iron Works passed away at her home on Monday, November 3, 2025, after a brief battle with dementia.
A loving mother, grandmother, wife and friend, Cheri was born in Danville, Virginia on December 5, 1946, the daughter and only child of Van Buren and Mary (Fitzgerald) LaRue. With her father serving as a Naval Officer, Cheri grew up traveling the globe, experiencing her childhood in San Francisco, Japan, Guam and many other exotic places. The family settled in Chesapeake, Virginia after Van was posted to the Norfolk Naval Station where he retired from his distinguished career of service.
Cheri moved to Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire from Sandy Hook, Connecticut after marrying the love of her life, Jim Stafford, in a backyard ceremony surrounded by family and friends. With an unwavering love and commitment to supporting her family, she was always there for her 8 children when they needed her most, which was her most significant achievement.
She spent years constantly traveling to events, practices and games to watch her children and their teammates, becoming well known for cheering every success and supporting every loss. She was passionate about everything she believed in and strove to make everything around her better for someone else. Those who knew her will know her for her willingness to listen, laugh and love, sharing every joy and facing every challenge by their side.
Cheri is survived by her beloved husband Jim Stafford, daughters Vanessa Stafford, her husband Matt and their son Lane; Kit Houghtalin, her husband Mike and their son Jake; sons John Kortze, his wife Tara and their daughters Cassidy & Keely; Cary Kortze, his wife Lucy and their children Aidan & Claire; Colin Kortze and his partner Nicole; Max Stafford and Will Stafford; and her dear friend and honorary family member, Diane Currier. In addition to her parents, Cheri was predeceased by her daughter Lindsey Kortze who left us in May of 2021.
To all those that knew Cheri, we grieve your loss and thank you for befriending her, supporting her and loving her the way she did you. To her medical providers, especially those of the Granite VNA who cared for her in her last months, the family extends their deepest gratitude for your compassion, friendship and tireless dedication to her health. The family also wishes to extend
its deepest gratitude and love to Amanda Barney for her tireless support, compassion and friendship. Your love and commitment to mom can never be repaid and will never be forgotten.
Death steals those we treasure, but it will never be able to take away the moments and memories we got to share and create with her. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her, knew her and got to experience life with her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you hug and cherish your loved ones young and old, and to never take a single day for granted.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.