Cheryl A. DeCandia (Cookie) 79, of Ellington passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones after a sudden battle with cancer. Cheryl was born at Windham Hospital and grew up in Andover before moving to Coventry. She had a long career with the State of Connecticut, where she made many friends, before retiring. Cheryl is predeceased by her husband Tom DeCandia, her father Arnold John Tyree, her mother Shirley Elizabeth Heon, and her brother David Heon. Cheryl leaves behind her daughters, Laurie Cunningham of Willimantic and Caroline Johnson of Coventry, as well as her beloved son-in-laws John Cunningham and Todd Johnson. Cheryl’s memory lives on in her adored grandchildren, who she “loved all the same”, John Robert Cunningham, Sierra Lynn Cunningham, Joseph Thomas Johnson, and Alex Richard Johnson. Cheryl was the big sister to her siblings, Pam Heon, Paul Heon, and Robert Heon, who viewed her as the matriarch of the family. Cheryl leaves behind her sister-in-law, Debby Heon, as well as nieces and nephews Jared, Kenny, Tyler, Megan, Sarah, and Jason. Cheryl had a special relationship with her niece Ashley Stanley, whom Cheryl's daughters always joked she was “Moms favorite daughter”. Cheryl is lovingly remembered by Ashley's husband Jason, and their children Jack, Luke, and Aubrey, who fondly called her “Aunt Shoo”. Cheryl is fondly remembered by her cherished step-daughter Christina DeCandia, and her children Kelly, Thomas, Delaney, and Chloe. As well as her step-son Mark DeCandia and his wife Julie, and their children Ryan and Chase. Cheryl was known as “Cook” and “Aunt Cookie” by her Miclette family, who adored her and continue to hold her lovingly in their hearts. Her lifelong friends Robert Miclette, Billie, and Joanne remained special people in her life.

Cheryl touched the lives of everyone around her and made an impact on everyone she met. She was recently described as being like “a stone thrown to water in which the ripples spread far and wide and touched everyone in her path”. Cheryl was a huge part of her grandchildren’s lives and always made each of them feel as if they were her favorite. Her love spread to include many of their friends who also knew her as Grammy.

Cheryl lit up any room she entered and was blessed to have spent her later years enjoying every moment. She was always on the move, so much so her daughters were often asking “where did Mom go now?”. Whether it be shopping, mani-pedis, the beach, lunch with friends, or a weeklong getaway. When at a party, she would surely be seen on the dance floor as a real life ‘Dancing Queen’. Cheryl learned to sail through the changing chapters of her life with grace and dignity. As the years passed, she prided herself on remaining independent, dependable, and being a “go-to” person for those who she loved.

Cheryl leaves many fond memories of fun and adventure, but also with the reminder of the importance of family. She loved unconditionally, was the biggest supporter, and handled it all with class, the only way she knew how.

The family will have a private burial at Center Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut. A Celebration of Life will be hosted in Cheryl's honor for all who knew and loved her on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. More information to follow.