On May 29, 2023, Cheryl Lynn Lay (nee Kleinsmith) of Severna Park, formerly of South Baltimore passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife of Michael J. Lay, an adored and precious mother of Dane Lay, Ryan Lay (wife Alex), Caroline Braun (husband AJ), Colin Lay (wife Kelly). She was the best YaYa ever to Peter, Lucy, Ella, Connor and Rosemary.  She was a loving sister of Margaret Schillenberg (husband Michael)  and Lee Kleinsmith. She is joined in heaven with her parents, August and Ethel Kleinsmith and sister-in- law, Terri Kleinsmith.

Cheryl grew up in South Baltimore and graduated from Southern High School in 1974.

She was trained in the field of x-ray technician at Harbor Hospital. After five years, she transitioned to radiation therapy and provided treatments to both adults and children at University of Maryland and at Sinai hospitals. After 14 years in the medical field, she devoted her time to her family as a full time mother.

In 1990, Cheryl moved to Severna Park to be closer to her siblings. She enjoyed spending time with her children, with extended family, traveling, gardening, shopping, and was the number one fan at her children's sporting events. She loved watching Dancing with the Stars and seeing the live show annually.

After her children started school, Cheryl followed her true passion and taught preschool at Edinboro Early School in Severna Park and Creative Beginnings in Arnold, until she retired to focus on her cancer treatment.

She received amazing, compassionate care at Johns Hopkins Hospital over 11 years and transitioned to hospice care early this year at Hospice of the Chesapeake.

During the course of her treatment, she was fortunate to become a grandmother five times over. She relished the role her grandkids gave her as YaYa. Her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed reading books to them.  Her love for books and her former role working with preschool children inspired her to create a garden library in front of her house. She enlisted the entire family to help in the project. She enjoyed watching her vision come to life, and found even more enjoyment watching neighbors with young children read books from her library from her window in her final days.

There can be no greater honor than to be fondly remembered by the people who knew you best. To be the one person responsible for so many wonderful memories that directly influence the next generation, and the next.

Cheryl has been described as a special, faith filled woman.  She was a warming presence to many and a bright light.  She was an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, Yaya, and friend. She is the Cornerstone of the Lay Family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cheryl's life on Sunday, June 4 from 12-2 and 5-7 at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. A Funeral Mass will be offered for Cheryl on Monday, June 5 at 10:30am at St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146 followed by a celebration of life party at Kurtz's Beach, 2070 Kurtz Ave, Pasadena, MD 21122.  Cheryl wished for everyone to celebrate this day wearing bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Jude ( https://www.stjude.org/ ) or the St. Labre Indian School ( https://www.stlabre.org/ ).