KILMARNOCK—Cheryl Ann Wicks of Kilmarnock, the treasured wife of Tom Wicks for over 25 years, died May 15, 2020, after a short hospitalization. Born in Providence, R.I., on March 26, 1952, the daughter of Richard and Norma Amaral, she was raised in New Jersey, studied at Bryant College and Thomas A. Edison State College earning a bachelor’s in business administration.
Following a career as an executive in the publishing industry, with time in the entertainment sector, in Boston, New Jersey and Manhattan, she went back to her early loves of writing, music, art and volunteerism while living in Newtown, Conn., and Sparta, N.J., still taking time to enjoy sailing in New England and Chesapeake waters and traveling abroad.
In Connecticut, she collaborated with noted paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren and wrote a book and lectured on some of the cases. Later, in New Jersey she would participate in her church’s variety shows with Irish dancing. At home, she loved to play show tunes and movie music on her piano with “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic a favorite.
She made lifelong friends everywhere and was especially noted for her warmth, generosity and humor, her drawings and her distinctive custom-made greeting cards celebrating milestones for many.
Upon moving to Kilmarnock in 2013, she made new friends while improving her artistic skills, volunteering with the Women of St. Francis Catholic Church, serving on the board of the Kilmarnock Museum, helping at the Rappahannock Art League, supporting the Lancaster Players and pitching in on many fundraising events. She also served as secretary/treasurer in her residential community and she continued to enjoy sailing, with a year also as a cruise commander in the Rappahannock River Yacht Club.
She is survived by a brother, Alan Amaral and a sister, Norma Jean Amaral of New Jersey.
For several reasons, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kilmarnock Museum, 76 North Main Street, Kilmarnock, and to the Kilmarnock-Lancaster Volunteer Rescue Squad, 61 Harris Road, PO Box 333, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Waddy Funeral Home is handling the immediate arrangements.
