Cheryl Lynn (Jones) Szafirski, age 65, passed away with her husband by her side on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Atrium Union Hospice.

Cheryl Lynn Jones Szafirski was born on October 20, 1956 in Lompoc, CA, a daughter of William Jones and the late Barbara Louise Hampson Jones. Cheryl grew up with her five siblings in Lennox, CA.

She later met her husband, Pat, who also graduated from Lennox, at the age of 19 at a party in Torrance, CA. They were married on December 31, 1979 with the promise to always start the new year fresh as one. Cheryl and Pat had 3 children together and loved to go on camping trips to Upper Soda Springs in Mammoth Lakes. Every year, for over 30 years, they would take their family to the campgrounds, set up tents, disconnect from the world and enjoy the simple beauty of life, a good book and family. Cheryl enjoyed watching HGTV, hiking and being in nature, Angels Baseball, the Miami Dolphins and any other sport that was on TV.

She was an animal lover who collected dolphin figurines and loved her dogs. Cheryl was involved in the lives of all her children, taking them to all their sporting events and cheering them on from the stands. After becoming a grandmother, she was equally involved in their lives and interests. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and often times kept her going. Known to keep things interesting and hold her own, Cheryl believed in enjoying each and every day of life. Her presence in the lives of those she loved will be greatly missed, but will carry on through the memories shared together.

She was an animal lover who collected dolphin figurines and loved her dogs.

Those left to cherish Cheryl's memory include her husband of 41 years, Patrick "Pat" Szafirski (Class of 68); her children, Janet Reino, Jo Auger (Christian), Andrew "Andy" Szafirski (Sarah), and Katie Zitt (Jarred); her grandchildren, Drew, Caitlyn, Madelynn, Fallon, Nolan, Blake, Olivia, Hendrix and Patrick; and her five siblings who all went to Lennox, Bill (73), Karen (76), Susan (77), Vicki (79), and Wendy (81).

Her sister Vicki Johnson, left a note on Cheryl's tribute wall:

Cheryl had a zest for life and for getting her sisters in trouble as kids and teens. We were all on our toes when Cheryl came into the room because we would never know what to expect. As we matured, Cheryl was a fun person to hang out with. I am so thankful for her giving us incredibly compassionate and lovely children who bring so much joy to our family. She will be missed, but we know she lives on through her kids and grandchildren. Also Pat was so amazing in his consistent love for Cheryl and for how well he took care of his family. Thank you Pat for loving our family by loving our sister.

In a Facebook post from her daughter, Jo:

Rest easy, Momma.
We'll remember the things like: your habit of driving barefoot, your love of dolphins and dogs (sometimes more than humans), laughing at the most inappropriate of times and always yelling at the umpire for making the wrong call (even if it was right). All of these and so many more will keep us smiling & keep your memory lighthearted. I'll miss most the opportunity lost in you watching my girls grow up. Love you MORE. ♥, Me

Cheryl was cremated. Because of her love for dolphins, her family chartered a boat to spread her ashes off the Newport coastline. The Captain said it was the wrong time of year and they wouldn't see any dolphins. The arrived in the area to spread her ashes and to their surprise, there were a couple of dolphins just as they released her ashes into the water to be with her beloved dolphins.