Sheryl Ann Milson Fitzgerald Peterson

July 24, 1956 - August 4, 2023

Sheryl Peterson passed away with her beloved daughter by her side on Friday, August 4, 2023 after chronic illnesses stole many years from her life and left many dreams unfulfilled.

Sheryl was born into a military family on July 24, 1956 on Governors Island in New York City. She lived the "typical" life of an Army brat with her three siblings, living in Alaska, Panama and many places in between.

From an early age, it was clear Sheryl was exceptionally intelligent and skipped grades in order to graduate from high school just shy of her 15th birthday. She could have done anything with her gifted mind, but starting a family took priority when she met the love of her life, Kevin, in 1974. From that moment on, everything else took a backseat to supporting Kevin and his career, along with raising their only child, Mychelle.

Sheryl dedicated her life to Mychelle, making countless sacrifices to give her everything she needed and wanted. Many joked that the umbilical cord was never fully cut, as the bond and unique relationship she shared with Mychelle was truly one-of-a-kind. She passed on her love of music, pop culture and pretty things to Mychelle, and she reveled in staying up-to-date with current content versus living in the past.

Sheryl battled health issues most of her life, and ultimately, they compounded one another to take a toll on her quality of daily living. Following a stroke in 2001, Sheryl's health began to decline at a quicker pace, and while it slowed down for a while, it picked back up with ferocity after Kevin's 20 year battle with liver disease came to an end in 2019.

The pandemic took an even harder toll on her, both physically and emotionally. But she hung on for Mychelle.

Aside from her family, Sheryl's greatest joy in life was helping others, especially animals in need. She was an active donor to countless rescue organizations, and had she been strong enough physically, would have made the best rescue volunteer. She had so much love to give those who needed it most. She identified with the underdogs, with those who weren't given a fair chance and those who needed extra support.

Sheryl's kindness and generosity was known to anyone who came into contact with her: Kevin's coworkers, who were often beneficiaries of her extraordinary cooking and baking talents, and Mychelle's friends and colleagues, who became extensions of the Peterson family.

Sheryl is survived only by her daughter, Mychelle, her granddog, Izzy and her sister, Kelly (Fitzgerald) Cody. Everyone else Sheryl loved in life greeted her with a loving embrace as she exited this world. Her parents, John & Marianne Fitzgerald, her brother John Fitzgerald III, her sister, Heather Fitzgerald, and of course, her husband, Kevin Peterson.

Sheryl looked forward to being reunited with her family and all of the family dogs who had been taken from her too soon, especially Daisy, Candy and Toffee.

At her request, there will be no local service. She never wanted the spotlight on herself, and her only request was to be buried with Kevin at Arlington National Cemetery, a few sections away from her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following animal rescues in her name.

Chicago French Bulldog Rescue

One Tail at a Time

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

ASPCA

Above all, to honor Sheryl's memory, Mychelle asks that you hug your loved ones (especially your mom if you're lucky enough to still have her) tighter and a few seconds longer than you think you should. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.