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Celebrating the life of

Cheryl Wagner Baynard

May 03, 1947 - October 02, 2020

Cheryl Wagner Baynard

Cheryl Wagner Baynard, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at home, surrounded by family, on October 2, 2020 due to cancer.  She was 73.

Born in Salisbury, Maryland on May 3, 1947, Cheryl was the second of four children to David and Winona Wagner, and grew up with siblings David, Gail and Jeff in Pocomoke City, Maryland and Easton, Maryland.  She graduated from Saints Peter & Paul High School, and attended Mount Saint Agnes College in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1969 and married John Baynard, her husband of 51 years, in June of that year. Theirs was a love story to be envied and admired. Cheryl and John were true soulmates.

Early in their marriage, Cheryl and John lived in Calvert County, Maryland and had three daughters, Katie, Anny and Sara, all born in their hometown of Easton, Maryland. Shortly thereafter, Cheryl and John began a lifetime of travel and adventure, moving their family to Concord, CA, Frederick, MD, St. Croix, U.S.V.I., and Sandwich, Massachusetts. After raising her three children, Cheryl traveled overseas with John, living abroad in Doha, Qatar, Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Manilla, Philippines, Seoul, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China. Cheryl and John eventually settled in Savannah, Georgia, on Skidaway Island, where they have had a home since 1994. They built rich friendships with many wonderful people in The Landings community.

Affectionately called “Squirrel” by her husband and children due to her knack for “squirreling things away,” Cheryl’s home was always warm and welcoming. She understood the art of communication better than anyone and had a gift of making others feel important, comfortable and valued. Cheryl was an avid reader, a trusted bridge partner, a vicious Scrabble player, and an adventurous cook. She enjoyed her golf and bridge groups, gardening, feeding her backyard birds, holding her grandchildren, and creating beautiful cross stitch and knitting projects. She adored the many cats she rescued over the years. These qualities only begin to describe the wonderful woman she was.  Cheryl was loved dearly and will be missed terribly. 

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Johnny;  daughter and son-in-law Katie and John Vavrinec; daughter Anny Baynard; daughter and son-in-law Sara Baynard-Cooke and JT Cooke; grandchildren Emma Merrill, Thomas Vavrinec, Ruth Merrill, Madelyn Cooke, Jack Vavrinec, Rhys Cooke, and Corabelle Cooke; brother David Wagner; sister Gail Carroll; and her cherished cat, Bailey.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Family and friends may share their condolences on the Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors website, www.foxandweeks.com

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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Although I didn’t know Cheryl, I do know one of her daughters. Cheryl’s spirit lives on in the strong character, intense loyalty, and love of nature and adventure of her daughter. Reading this tribute to Cheryl, it is clear these qualities were fostered by parents and close family relationships. Cheryl’s light is a loss to all who did know her, but her legacy is strong. During this time of loss, I pray her family and friends find peace, and even joy, in the celebration of her life.

- Rachel Shilton, Salt Lake City, Utah

A candle has been lit!

Please except my sincerest condolences on the loss of Cheryl. I was a class behind her at Mount Saint Agnes college and I remember her fondly. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

- Barbara Logan Ambrosius , Spencer, IA

We are shocked and greatly saddened at the loss of our sister. Cheryl has left a deep and enduring mark on our world through the gracious and loving care she always gave to her husband, daughters, grandchildren and siblings. Memories of our childhood together come flooding back at her all too early parting. She and I had an ongoing and long term conversation about the ins and outs of gardening, an interest we both derived from our father. Her garden and her family will continue to flourish and my fond memories of her will linger through time.

- David Wagner, Annapolis, MD

A candle has been lit!

- Steve and Nancy McLeod, Savannah , Ga

Cheryl was a wonderful person and the world will be poorer for her loss. Betsy and I are so sorry for your loss John.

- Brian Rickenbacker, Savannah, Ga

Through sadness I remember happier times shared--watching the Winter Olympics on TV trays with plates of Cheryl's BBQ ribs--Cheryl telling an anecdote so funny that tears streamed down her face--sitting on her porch as she described the wildlife in her beloved garden--seeing Cheryl's joy surrounded by the chaos of her family gathered in Rehoboth. Opening my recipes I see so any that Cheryl has graciously shared. You will be missed, dear friend, by all those who had the privilege of knowing you.

- Linda Wagner, Annapolis, MD

I am very sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. We were classmates in high school, and I knew from the start that she was a very special lady. If we all had her qualities, it would be a much better world. This mortal life is but a passing through ceremony, a mere vapor. The great news is that at the end of mortality, through Christ, we put on immortality. I know that Cheryl is now very much alive in the REAL world with loved ones who have gone on before. I pray that her family and friends who now miss her greatly, know that they will see her again

- Bill Dickerson, Easton, MD

A candle has been lit!

I am so sorry to read of Cheryl’s passing. I knew Cheryl and Gail at SSPP high school and remember getting a ride home with Cheryl and her mom when I was a freshman and Cheryl was a senior at Mt St Agnes College. She was planning her wedding and so excited! My sympathy, prayers to the family.

- Marti Kirkpatrick Bremer, Easton, MD

Cheryl's uplifting presence and warmth is an everlasting gift to all who had the joy of being touched by her friendship. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, John, your daughters, grandchildren, and, of course, little Bailey.

- Beth & Jack Silady, Savannah, GA

Katie and family, we are so saddened to hear of the loss of your mom & grandma. We are holding you in our hearts and sending you all so much love.

- Kim, Dan and Alison Giordano, Kirkland, WA

I remember Cheryl, as I was a friend of Gail's from Clifton and SSPP. I actually remember when Cheryl had Katie and was staying at her parents' house. She was so kind and beautiful! Much love to Gail and David!

- Donna Healy Clem, Oxford, MD

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

  • A Celebration of Life Will Be held at a later date