Obituary of Cheryl Mae Jordan
Cheryl Mae Jordan (January 27, 1947-October 31, 2022) passed away on October 31st, 2022 at
Calvary Hospital in Bronx, New York. She had endured a long and valiant struggle with breast
cancer and finally succumbed to her mortal illness. She was the eldest daughter of William M.
Jordan and Dorothy S. Nixon. Her sister, Avrile A. Camberlain, predeceased her. She is survived
by her brother Bruce M. Jordan, her niece, Ingrid J. (Andrew) Nkongho, and her adored grand
nephew, and grand niece.
Cheryl was born in Long Branch New Jersey. She spent her formative years in Syracuse New York
and Asbury Park, New Jersey spending summers on the farm of her beloved grandparents in
Fairfield, Virginia. Cheryl earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport and a
Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University. She later completed an L.L.M. in Environmental
Law from Pace University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Mercy College.
Cheryl spent the majority of her professional career in the U.S. Foreign Service having served as
a press officer in Spain, Peru and India. In some ways those years were indeed her heyday as they
were spent traveling the globe, collecting art and antiques from her travels, and forming life-long
friendships that she cherished until the very end of her life. Cheryl was an avid swimmer, and a
beach lover. She was an equestrian, and devoted many years to horseback riding from her time
spent on her grandparents’ farm as a young girl through her time based at various posts overseas.
After her return to the U.S., she decided to pursue her L.L.M. in environmental law, but after
successful completion of her Bar Exam, decided to pursue a degree in Special Education which
she felt resonated more with her love for, and with her nature of relating well to children.
She worked as a substitute teacher and tutor for many years in Rockland, Westchester, and New
York City school districts.
In her later years, Cheryl dedicated her life to the care of her ailing parents. She also dedicated her
time to maintaining her parents’ homes comfortably, and beautifully with the goal of preserving their
legacy in the family.
Cheryl was a spiritual being and cherished being around nature. She loved to garden, and she
adored animals. She rescued and cared for many animals including her beloved cats Cleo, King
Tut and Dot Dot, and her dogs Peppy and Yuri. Cheryl felt the most purpose in caring for others and
her acts of kindness and gestures of love and appreciation could be felt by those who knew and
loved her. She will be missed dearly.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring – a time of year that Cheryl felt was full of life and
new beginnings. In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to contribute, please consider making a
donation in her honor to one or both of the organizations that held special meaning for Cheryl:
ASPCA and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
