Veterinarian Cheryl Welch Loses Brief Cancer Battle

Cheryl Welch — a mom, a business owner, a doctor, a friend and inspiration — lost her brief battle with pancreatic cancer Wednesday. She leaves behind four children, Jack, 13, Brigette, 13, Kyra, 10, and Reese, 7. 

The veterinarian from Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital fell ill shortly after completing the New York City Marathon — in four hours and 25 minutes — in November. In mid-January, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which spread to multiple sites in her body, including her brain and spinal cord.

Members of the Mahwah community expressed grief at losing Welch, who was an influential member of the community. She often gave presentations in the district's elementary schools.

Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wykoff, is handling the arrangements. According to her CaringBridge page, the viewings are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service is planned for Cedar Hill Reformed Church at noon on Tuesday, March 1. The funeral home could not immediately confirm the service details. More details to follow as they become available. 

"The legacy of love you have written here will be a priceless gift her children will have forever," TK wrote on the CaringBridge site. "Through your messages, and maybe without realizing it,  you have written a beautiful account of Cheryl's life on these pages...what she has meant to each of you,  all your prayers and thoughts for her, her journey, her impact on your lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have all had a very important part to play and your messages are as unique as your fingerprints on the shape of Cheryls life. Hugs and comfort to each one of you, to all of us."

See Cheryl Welch's full obituary here.