Cheryl Ristimaki passed away on May 28th, 2026, at the age of 76. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, and raised in Levack, Cheryl spent most of her adult life in Kimberley, BC, where she raised her only child (Tom) and built a life rich with friendship, adventure, and purpose alongside her devoted husband, Ken.

The 2nd of four children to Ruth and Lawrence “Red” McCourt, Cheryl was a feisty, opinionated daughter and a wonderful sister to her siblings (Linda, Susan, and Tom), with whom she remained close throughout her life.

From an early age, Cheryl showed both talent and drive. As a girl she was an accomplished figure skater, and as an adult she enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, speed skating, snowshoeing, paddling, walking, hiking, and camping — an active lifestyle she shared with her husband, friends, and family that helped her stay fit, social, and young at heart for decades.

At school she was a bright, diligent student that skipped a grade and did well academically – as well as a flirt and a “real slick dresser” according to her classmates.

After completing teacher’s college, Cheryl taught school in Northern Ontario before embarking on a long and meaningful career in the Federal Public Service, primarily as an Employment Insurance officer in Cranbrook, BC. She took genuine pride in helping people navigate difficult times, and that compassion and commitment carried over into her later work with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and Alpine Employment Centre in Kimberley. She cared deeply about her clients and formed close bonds with her colleagues, demonstrating her willingness to go above and beyond for others — professionally and personally.

Those who knew Cheryl will remember her warmth, generosity, strong will, and gift for bringing people together. With her red hair and vibrant personality, she was often called a little firecracker — a fitting description for a woman who lit up every room she entered. She lived life on her own terms and treasured her close circle of friends; she delighted in getting together for lunch, dinner, or happy hour with the wonderful women in her life as often as possible and would welcome any excuse to get dressed up. (She was known to celebrate her own birthday for a month or more with different groups of people!)

Cheryl is survived by her husband Ken, her son Tom, and her elder sister, Linda Frohlick (née McCourt). She will also be deeply missed by her dear friends, former colleagues, and extended family in Ontario and abroad.

A gathering of friends and family will be arranged at a later date.

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