BANGOR — Cheryl (Hawes) Larner, 74, of Bangor, passed away October 15 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Although the medical records may indicate she died from complications of Parkinson’s disease, the family believe she died of a broken heart. Her husband and caretaker of 51 years, Jim, died suddenly and tragically from an accident just 6 weeks earlier.

Cheryl was born January 22, 1946 to Howard and Jacqueline (Martin) Hawes. She attended Union High School, graduating in 1964. She went on to Thomas College, earning her associates degree in 1966. Soon after she began as a medical secretary for Dr. Marshall of Waterville until 1973.

She and Jim married in 1970. They moved to Bangor in 1971. In 1973 she took on an even greater job as “mom” to her daughter, Lisa. Cheryl returned to the workforce in 1990 for the city of Bangor. Golfers in the area who played at Bangor Muni knew Cheryl as an efficient and trustworthy manager of the pro shop. In the off season, she could be found at the Bangor Auditorium managing the concession stands and keeping the young concessionaires on task as they peddled popcorn and drinks during tourney time.

Although she enjoyed her work at the golf course, the onset of Parkinson’s played a role in her early retirement in 2012. However she found a new purpose in life: spending more time with and helping raise her granddaughter, Alyssa. From ferrying Alyssa to school and activities, to gritting her teeth while Alyssa drove GrandMom as she learned to drive, they spent a lot of time together. The last few years the roles reversed and Alyssa drove GrandMom to shopping and numerous appointments. This was no easy task for Alyssa, as Cheryl was known to have a bit of road rage.

Outside of family, Cheryl enjoyed sports, especially basketball which carried over from her high school days as co-captain for the girl’s basketball team in 1963/64. She also loved her Red Sox. The excitement she felt seeing them “reverse the curse” was contagious. If a sports game was not on, you could find her with her beloved cats or watching the birds in her backyard.

Although Bangor had been her home for nearly 50 years, she often longed to spend time at the family cottage on Round Pond in Union with Jim. They loved listening to the call of the loons: a peaceful time when troubles
melt and all becomes right in the world.

Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Lisa Goodell and her companion Brad Davis; her granddaughter, Alyssa Goodell all of Bangor; siblings, Ron Hawes and wife Irene of Union, Alison Morgan and husband Patrick of Andalusia, Alabama, Gail Hawes and companion Rodney Sturdee of Union.

She is survived by Scott Reynolds and his wife Laureen, who was always a special light in her life and whom she thought of as a son. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband, Jim; her mother, Jackie; and her father, Howard.

A graveside service will be planned for the spring of 2021 for both Cheryl and Jim at the family lot in Union Common Cemetery. A celebration of life will also be planned for the Bangor area in 2021, where friends and
family can gather to share stories and the joy of knowing Cheryl and Jim.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Silver Linings Home Care for their exceptional care, and kindness. Thank you Christine, Bev and Diane.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a humane society near you to honor her love of animals.

To share a memory or condolence with the Larner family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.