Cheryl Elaine McGaffney

Cheryl Elaine McGaffney age 80, passed away peacefully in Portage, Indiana, on Monday, September 1, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Dolores (Raymond) Kelley, Holly (Jim) Ambrose, and Stacy (Stephanie) McGaffney; grandchildren, David Kelley, Matthew (Heather) Kelley, Blake (Monica) Kelley, Jennifer (Chad) DeShane, Jacob (Hayley) Janiszewski, James Ambrose, and Wes Ambrose; great grandchildren, Lily Gayton, Keira Kelley, Jayden Odle, Emily Kelley, Keagan Kelley, Madison Janiszewski and Madalyn Kelley; and dear canine friends Jynx and Iris.

Preceded in death by her loving parents, Edward Jentzen and Marjorie Elkins, her previous husbands, Mario Chavez and Robert McGaffney, and her grandson Joshua Kelley.

Cheryl was born on May 9, 1945, at Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana. She was a 1963 graduate of River Forest High School in New Chicago, Indiana. She was a loving caregiver to her children for many years and completed her college degree becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked as a long-term caregiver at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hobart for 20 plus years until her retirement.

Cheryl enjoyed cooking for her family, reading, and was always there for others that needed assistance or help. She loved horses, dogs, and butterflies, and was rarely found without her cup of coffee. Cheryl had great passion for life and lived it her way. Most of all, she loved being Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cheryl was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to so many people. The impact she had on people throughout her life was boundless. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, Indiana.

Cheryl will be laid to rest privately by the family at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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