Obituary of Cheryl Birdsall

WASHINGTON, DC - Cheryl C. Birdsall, 69, entered into eternal rest on Monday October 5, 2015 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Cheryl was born on October 17, 1945 in New York, NY, the daughter of the late Norton and Gertrude (Clark) Birdsall. She was raised in Cheshire, graduating from Hamden Hall Country Day School and from Wellesley College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She regarded time spent vacationing with family and friends in the Adirondacks as some of her fondest memories. Cheryl lived in Cambridge, MA for several years before moving to Washington, DC in 1976, where she worked actively on legislative issues related to education for more than 35 years. She served as a Legislative Assistant to Ohio Senator Howard Metzenbaum from 1977 to 1995. In 1995 she was hired by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) being promoted to Senior Assistant Director in 2004, a position she held until her recent retirement. Ms. Birdsall is survived by her brother David and his wife Daryl of Wolcott, CT, and her longtime friend Sharon Barry of Washington, DC along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements - There are no calling hours. Funeral services and burial will be held in Hillside Cemetery in Cheshire, CT at the convenience of her family. Memorial contributions may be made in Cheryl's name to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/donate. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, CT is assisting with arrangements.