Cheryl Smith Schroeder

Cheryl Smith Schroeder, 82, of Deer Park, IL and Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026 in Phoenix after a long battle with dementia. Cheryl was a long-time resident of Barrington and Deer Park , IL, until she began wintering in Arizona in 2011.

Cheryl was born November 8, 1943 in Elmhurst, IL to Norma M. (nee Mittelstadt) and Vernon B. Smith. She was raised in Mt. Prospect, IL and attended Prospect High School, where she was a drum majorette and baton twirler performing with the marching band. After graduation she attended the University of Arizona.

After college Cheryl joined the Sports Car Club of America, where she became a nationally-licensed registrar for SCCA racing events, working registration for major road races at Elkhart Lake, WI and other tracks in the Midwest. For many years she was a member of the “Sweet Adelines”, a popular women’s singing group.

On May 23, 1970 Cheryl married Donald S. “Sandy” Schroeder of Barrington. They continued to make their home in Barrington, where they raised two daughters, Wendy and Kimberly. Cheryl became very involved in their daughters’ activities, including Girl Scouts (assistant leader), Suzuki Violin (piano accompanist), and school sports events (scoring and #1 fan). During the girls’ school years she also found time to attend Harper College, where she earned an associate degree in mainframe computer technology, graduating with honors at the top of her class.

Cheryl loved sewing, and she became an accomplished seamstress. She also enjoyed knitting, crewel, and quilting, which became her true passion. After the girls were grown Cheryl worked for A Touch of Amish in Barrington, which catered to quilters. She became well known to area quilters during her 19 years there. She was a long-time member of the Community Church of Barrington.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Sandy Schroeder; two daughters, Wendy Hyde (Alex) of Phoenix and Kimberly Kotz (Jeff) of Cary, IL; five grandsons, Alex (Sarah), Brian (Elise), Christopher, Jack (Kristin), and Aidan; and a sister Sandra Smith of Gilbert, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Arlene and Karen.

Cheryl was loved by everyone who knew her, and she will always be remembered for her kind and loving nature.

A celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held at a future date. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Community Church of Barrington or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.