Obituary of Cheryl Jean Dykeman

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Cheryl J. Dykeman which occurred on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at her home in Blissfield, New Brunswick. Born in Saint John, NB on January 31st, 1949, she was the daughter of Jean A. (Grant) Dykeman of Rothesay, NB and the late Lloyd G. Dykeman of Bridgewater, NS. She will be sadly missed by her daughters Alex Robinson (Keith) of Kingston, NB , Tiffany Robinson of Rothesay, NB, and her much loved grandchildren Angelina and Kiara Robinson-Colpitts and Jordan and Tayla Harley. She was a beloved sister to Derek Dykeman of Rothesay, NB and Karen Dykeman of Brampton, ON and half-sister to Patricia Schneider (Ron) of BC. She will also be deeply missed by her long-time loving companion in life Bruce Jamieson of Fredericton, NB.  Cheryl graduated from the Rothesay Netherwood School for girls in 1965 and later joined the Netherwood Old Girls Association. She completed her formal education with an Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick. Throughout her life she was employed by Thomson Holiday (UK), Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Royal Bank of Canada, Henry Birks & Sons and Wilson Realty Group. However her passion for food is what led her to her much loved career as a self-employed caterer in the Kennebecasis Valley. She owned and operated Classic Catering alongside her mother Jean with help from her daughters as well. This allowed her to experiment with many recipes and to be a fulltime mother. Cheryl always enjoyed attending the girls' extracurricular activities. When her elderly aunt Muriel White required full-time care, she gave up her home and much of her personal life to become her caregiver for six years. After Muriel's passing, Cheryl retired to her small cottage near the Miramichi River where she worked at turning it into a year-round country home with extensive gardens alongside Bruce.  Her love for animals, and the outdoors shaped much of her life. She adored horses and in her younger years was a member of the Rothesay Pony Club where she won many show jumping and dressage competitions. She loved to get out into the woods to go hunting and down to the river to go fishing. While living in Blissfield, she was a caregiver to many species of birds and animals who were her constant companions. Along with her love for nature, she cherished the relationships she had with her daughters and grandchildren. These two loves were combined for her last canoe trip down the Miramichi River a few weeks ago, as she sat back to enjoy the wonderful beauty of nature while Angelina, Kiara and Bruce paddled her down the river. As per her wishes, a gathering in Celebration of her Life will be held at the Hammond River Anglers Association at 10 Porters Road in Nauwigewauk, NB from 6-9 on Thursday, September 8th; 2011.In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Saint John S.P.C.A or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (506) 634-7425. www.brenansfh.com Â