It is with deep sadness that the family of Cheryl Kay Beeksma, of Oak Harbor, announces her passing on August 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Edward Charlie Beeksma, who passed just a few months earlier on January 28, 2024.

Cheryl was born on September 28, 1948, in Independence, Iowa, to Robert (Bob) and Marian (Mary) McIntosh. The oldest of four, Cheryl cherished her siblings—Susan Theobald (John), Craig McIntosh (Debbie), and Debbie Dugger (Mike)—and was deeply connected to her extended family.

Her childhood in Oelwein, Iowa, was filled with joy and adventure. She loved spending time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Waterskiing on the Mississippi, swimming, horseback riding, dancing, and helping at her parents’ shoe store, Bob’s Shoes, were some of her fondest memories.

Cheryl attended Sacred Heart Catholic School before graduating from Oelwein High School in 1966. Throughout her life, she relished any chance to reunite with friends and family from back home, always returning for reunions with enthusiasm and warmth.

In 1968, Cheryl married Donald Sullivan of Oelwein, and the couple relocated to Whidbey Island, WA, where he pursued his naval career. Together, they had two daughters, Michelle Jaeger (Jim) and Nicole Landaker (Bryan).

Cheryl was a hard worker, balancing the demands of being a naval officer’s wife while also working outside the home. After settling in Oak Harbor, she started as a bookkeeper at McDowell and Company and later joined Zylstra Beeksma Waller and Skinner law office, where she served as bookkeeper and manager for 23 years. Cheryl really enjoyed her work and the relationships she built with her colleagues.

In 1986, Cheryl married the love of her life, Edward Charlie Beeksma, and gained a stepdaughter, Kirsten Beeksma (Chris Morse). Cheryl and Ed shared a deep bond, their love was evident to all who knew them. They were inseparable, best friends who loved working together, traveling, and especially spending time at their home on the beach.

After their children had grown, Cheryl and Ed took up golf, spending over 20 years enjoying the sport with family and friends at Whidbey Golf Club. They split their time between Whidbey Island and their home in Surprise, Arizona, savoring the company of their daughters and growing families in Washington and Oregon, as well as their community of friends in Arizona.

Cheryl’s greatest joy came from being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren: Caleb and Maya Brookshier, Gina Day (Kyle), Gage, Cooper, and Brody Landaker, and Charlie, Indie, and Miles Morse, as well as her great-grandchildren, Theia and Roland Day.

Cheryl’s legacy of love and generosity lives on through her mother, Mary McIntosh, who turned 97 this past April. The two shared a close bond, filled with memories of golfing and spending time together in Palm Springs and Arizona. Cheryl never missed an opportunity to travel to Iowa to celebrate her mother’s birthday alongside her siblings.

In Cheryl’s memory, the family asks that instead of sending anything, you honor her by giving a stranger a compliment, as she so often did. Turn up your favorite music and dance, return your grocery cart (a small habit she held dear), or stop by JetJava on Whidbey and grab a“BigTrain”in her honor. Alzheimer’s took much from Cheryl and Ed in their final years, but her spirit endures in the simple joys and kindness she spread throughout her life. Let’s honor her by being present for those who need us most.

She leaves behind nieces and nephews Lara, Genny (Todd), Ryan (Jackie), Serenity (Bill),Jamey (Sarah), Casey, Chloe,and Kaley. She also leaves behind several step nieces and nephewsJoanie (Clark) Donnell, Mark (Diane) Beeksma, Julie (Kent) Dale, John (Tammy), Greg (Gail), and Steve (Sarah) Kingma as well as Mike and Stephanie Beeksma. Also, Ed’s brothers Barney Beeksma, who still resides in Oak Harbor as well as Stan (Marilyn) Beeksma. She also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday October 12 from 3-6 at Whidbey golf club.