Cheryl was born in Yokohama Japan on March 20th 1953. As the daughter of an Army officer, she traveled extensively in her youth, moving to a new location about every three years.

Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Germany, Kansas, Georgia and West Virginia were a few of the places she called home. In 1987 she moved to Florida permanently.

From an early age, Cheryl was obsessed with horses. She took riding lessons at every opportunity and became quite proficient in dressage. Over the years she earned many ribbons and awards. Although she lived and breathed horses, she also loved every other animal and became the “dog whisperer” to many of our family dogs. Our first family black Lab Benny would take a piece of Cheryl’s clothing out to the hall leading to her room and lay on it, growling if anyone dared to cross the line.

After deciding to put down roots in Indian River County, Cheryl opened a pet grooming salon called Pick Of The Litter. She soon became connected to the “dog community” in the area, eventually getting involved in dog training and showing. The people she met during this time have become lifelong friends. Through these connections Cheryl and her dogs competed in major competitions over many years, winning a multitude of prizes and accolades, which she proudly displayed in her shop.

She purchased her dream home ( a Florida cracker house) on five acres with a barn, called The Finch Farm. She loved this place! At one time she had 2 horses, a goat and her kid ( Bonny Boing Boing), a rooster called Chicken, some cats, chickens and many dogs. They were all pets… many had just wandered into the property, knowing if they made it through the gate she would take care of them.

Cheryl was a fiercely loyal person to people she loved and causes she supported. Sometimes hardheaded and stubborn, she had a heart of gold. Cheryl was also a gifted artist.

Cheryl is survived by her beloved Lab Tiki, her African grey Miss Piggy, and her kitty Trouble. She is also survived by her siblings Bill Shambora (Wai Ying); Meg Offutt; Diane Jarrell (Glenn Boyd); Denise Metz (Ray); Bob Shambora (Diana); 15 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews; and her best friend Shawn.

She is predeceased by her parents Col. William E Shambora Jr and Ann Kemp Shambora; her brother Michael D. Shambora; and longtime partner Tony De Carli. Also her beloved OTCH champion labs Annie, Sassy, Sally, and Andy, along Shadow, Axel, Telly and many other animals she befriended over the years.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House

920 37th place #101

Vero Beach, Fl 32960