Cherylin J. Roeser

Cherylin J. Roeser, age 82, of Waldwick, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2026.  Her passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of those who loved her, and an unmistakable absence in the many lives she touched. To know Cherylin was to feel seen, supported, and valued — a gift she offered generously and without hesitation.

Though not bound by blood, Cherylin was woven into the Duhig-Schawe family as tightly as any relative could be. She was the cherished friend of Barbara Duhig, and the devoted “Aunt” to Cindy Schawe, John Duhig, Michael Duhig and Rose Duhig as well as the beloved “Great Aunt” to Samantha Schawe, who adored her from the day she was born. In this family, titles were never about biology — they were about love, loyalty, and the roles people earned through their presence in each other’s lives.

Cherylin lived a life defined by service, intellect, and unwavering dedication to young people. For 49 years, she taught in the Ramapo Indian Hills High School District, beginning her career in 1968 and retiring in 2017. Her commitment to education was unparalleled. She was not only a gifted teacher of English literature but also a fierce advocate for her students and colleagues. She served as both President and Vice President of the teachers’ association, lending her strong, eloquent voice to issues that shaped classrooms, curriculum, and the wellbeing of the people she represented.

Her academic achievements reflected her deep love of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from The Catholic University of America, followed by two Master of Arts degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Secondary Education and High School Teaching. But her true legacy was not in her credentials — it was in the thousands of students whose lives she changed.

Cherylin was a tireless mentor, especially to her Advanced Placement students. She spent countless hours of her personal time writing recommendation letters that helped them gain admission to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world. She believed fiercely in their potential and fought for the innovations and resources that would help them thrive. Her influence extended far beyond her classroom; she was a respected voice with school administrators, boards of education, and state and national organizations.

Outside of her professional life, Cherylin embraced joy with the same wholehearted spirit she brought to teaching. She loved beach vacations, especially her annual trips to Marco Island, where she welcomed her extended family with generosity and warmth. She was a lifelong lover of English literature, not only as a teacher and interpreter of great works but as a reader who found comfort, challenge, and delight in the written word.

One of her greatest joys was her relationship with Samantha Schawe, who considered her a great aunt in every way that mattered. Cherylin even hosted a “grandma baby shower” for Sam’s grandmother, Barbara — a gesture that perfectly captured her thoughtfulness and her instinct to celebrate the people she loved.

The love of Cherylin’s life was George W. Roeser, whom she met while they were both teaching at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan. George predeceased her, and those who knew her take comfort in imagining their reunion.

When her family and friends think of Cherylin, they return to the words of Maya Angelou: “People may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” Cherylin made people feel capable, valued, and deeply cared for — and that is the legacy she leaves behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cherylin J. Roeser, please visit our floral store.