Obituary of Cheryl Lynne Granito

Cheryl Lynne Granito (nee Salter) has left this world a brighter place for so many.  After a long fought battle with metastatic breast cancer, she showed us all how to live and how to love fiercely. Her love and boundless energy were a beacon of light to all who knew her.

Cheryl was born in Toronto, Canada, or as she would say – the Motherland – to the late Michael Anthony and Ethel Salter. She was the third daughter, another Salter girl to bless the family. As a young girl, she moved to Chatham, New Jersey and later to Madison where she formed lifelong and lasting friendships. After graduating Madison High School in 1998, she headed to the University of Rhode Island to study, socialize and soar. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education from the College of St. Elizabeth.  

She met the love of her life and soulmate, Mark, in 2002 while waitressing with friends and the rest was history. Cheryl and Mark have been partners and best friends ever since. Their love and bond has only grown deeper each day. They married on April 24, 2008 and eventually made their home in Denville, starting their beautiful family. 

A dedicated teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, Cheryl poured her heart into shaping young minds and nurturing a sense of community, creativity and exploration. She had a special gift that touched the minds and hearts of those around her. The Denville community, along with her school family, have stood by her side during her health struggles, offering unwavering support and love. 

Proud of her Canadian heritage, she embraced her roots with joy and admiration.  She even managed to convince a small tribe of women to get matching maple leaf tattoos.  She could be quite convincing.  

“O Canada! Our home and native land!”

She found serenity in the tranquility of her home. Pinterest and Tik Tok trends had nothing on Cheryl’s eye for design. She delighted in being surrounded by ALL of her beloved plants and the laughter, singing and dancing of her daughters.  

She loved her gardens and each season planted and harvested something new and exciting. Her flower beds were always in bloom sharing vibrant colors and happiness. Cheryl loved tulips and would love hundreds of bulbs planted in her gardens for her girls. If you’ve ever looked up tulips, they represent “perfect and deep love” and Cheryl had both.  

Her devotion to her family was unwavering. She was the most devoted and adoring mother and the biggest cheerleader and advocate for her girls. She nurtured them with tenderness, silliness, love, and care leaving an enduring mark on their lives. Harps, Kay Kay and Ellie Belly are certainly her greatest accomplishments, her pride and joy and sources of strength in this world.  

As she journeys on, her memory will forever be a source of inspiration to those who were touched by her spirit. May her love continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.

She leaves only wonderful memories to her husband Mark Granito; her beautiful daughters Harper Lynne, Kayla Mae and Ellie Rose; her sisters Pamela Salter (Brian Zachary) and Karen Scornavacca (Steve); her nieces and nephew Kaity Hoffman, Lauren Scornavacca and Michael Scornavacca; her Aunt Kathie Wall; cousins Kevin (Mia) Wall and Jamie (Jennifer) Wall; her in-laws John and Carol Granito; brother and sister in-law Greg and Kim Granito; her nieces Matilda and Emilia; her most loyal pup Patrick and all of her dear friends, fans and neighbors.  

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 18th from 3pm - 7pm at the funeral home. A service will begin at 6:30pm that evening. A private graveside service will be held for her immediate family at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Chester.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Granito Girl's Trust (https://gofund.me/018e86b8) or a check made payable to the Granito Girl's Trust c/o Mark Granito.