HIRAM- Cheryl L. Nee (Black, Ives), of Hiram, Maine, passed away tragically on April 25, 2026, at the age of 65. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, caregiver, and advocate for both people and animals, Cheryl lived a life rooted in compassion, kindness, and quiet strength.
Born in Portland, Maine, on January 28, 1961, Cheryl was the daughter of James and Charlotte (Edwards) Black of Hiram. She attended local schools and graduated from Sacopee Valley High School in 1979. After beginning her career with Maine National Bank, she attended Fisher College, graduating in 1983. Cheryl later continued her education at University of Southern Maine and Granite State College, demonstrating her lifelong love of learning and personal growth.
In 1985, Cheryl married Wayne Ives, and together they built a home and family in New Hampshire, living in Center Harbor and later Franklin. Cheryl dedicated more than 25 years to running a home daycare, where she became a beloved and trusted presence in the lives of countless children and families. Caring for young children was not simply a job to Cheryl—it was one of her greatest joys and callings. Together, Cheryl and Wayne welcomed three children whom she adored: Alexis, Stuart, and Eric.
Cheryl was deeply committed to helping others throughout her life. She was a founding member and board member of New Beginnings and was actively involved with Tilton-Northfield United Methodist Church. Her compassion extended beyond people and into the natural world. After returning to her childhood home in Maine, Cheryl worked at local childcare centers including Pumpkin Patch Daycare and Countryside Kids, while also becoming a devoted member of Riverside United Methodist Church and serving as a trustee for the Stanley Burial Grounds in Hiram.
Later in life, Cheryl reconnected with her high school classmate, Shamus Nee. The two married on August 26, 2017, and shared a beautiful partnership built on love, understanding, and peace. Together they created a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, music, books, writing, nature, and animals. Though most recently they shared their home with five beloved cats, family and friends knew Cheryl and Shamus’s home as a refuge for any animal in need—especially stray felines and the hungry raccoons who stopped by their favorite dinner venue nightly.
For five years, Cheryl volunteered on Saturday evenings at the Saco River Wildlife Center alongside her dear friends, helping care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Her gentle spirit and nurturing heart touched every life she encountered, whether human or animal.
Cheryl treasured the simple joys of life: spending time with loved ones, enjoying the beauty of nature, listening to music, reading, writing, and sharing meaningful conversations. She was especially grateful for the lifelong friendship she shared with her best friend and soul sister, Amy Mitchell Lewis of Parsonsfield, Maine.
Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, James and Charlotte Black, and her grandparents, Verne and Helen Black, and Carroll and Eleanor Edwards.
She is lovingly survived by her husband, Shamus Nee; her children, Alexis (Nicole) Jutras, Stuart (Susannah) Ives, and Eric (Shannon) Ives; her brothers, James (Jennifer) Black and John (Mary) Black; her stepchildren, Liam Nee, Logan (Jenevieve) Nee, and Jessica (Mike) Pierson; her niece and nephew, Allie and Carson Black; her former spouse, Wayne Ives; her grandson, Owen; her step-granddaughter, Jillian; many cousins and extended family members; and her cherished best friend, Amy Mitchell Lewis.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Cheryl’s life at the church. Burial will be private prior to the service.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saco River Wildlife Center, an organization close to Cheryl’s heart.