Cheryl A. Lingsch

Cheryl A. Lingsch, age 71, longtime resident of Troy, passed away March 27, 2026. She was born on August 5, 1954 in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela; daughter of John and Peggy Aline (Barron) Lingsch. Cheryl graduated from Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA with the class of 1971. She continued her education at Kalamazoo College in Michigan where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Cheryl began her professional career as a systems engineer with General Dynamics. She later continued her career with Jeep, where she worked for several years. Following her time in the automotive industry, Cheryl pursued her passion for creativity and organization as a consultant in the entertainment industry and a project manager for large-scale events. She played an integral role in coordinating movie sets, theater productions, and major events, bringing vision and detail together seamlessly. Cheryl later joined the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, where she found great fulfillment coordinating Birthright trips, helping create meaningful and memorable experiences for others. Even in retirement, Cheryl remained active and engaged, continuing to work and stay busy until recently.

Cheryl’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic beliefs and found great purpose in serving the Lord. A faithful member of Assumption Grotto in Detroit, she was also a regular attendee at St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit and St. Priscilla Catholic Church in Livonia. Cheryl gave generously of her time and talents, volunteering in many capacities within her church communities, helping with events and spent significant time gardening. Reflective of her deep spiritual commitment, she was actively working toward becoming a member of the Order of Carmelites. Cheryl cherished the fellowship she shared with a close circle of friends, often gathering after Mass for prayer, conversation, and meals together - many times late into the nights. Her Sundays were especially meaningful, beginning at Assumption Grotto and continuing at St. Joseph Shrine, where she would spend the day volunteering and enjoying the company of her friends. Cheryl also found joy and inspiration in listening to Catholic podcasts, further nurturing her faith throughout the week.

Cheryl revelled in the beauty of the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature. She especially loved taking long walks through local state parks such as Stony Creek, Maybury, and Kensington, often in the company of friends, where she could enjoy the peace of her surroundings. She also cherished the moments she spent outside with her grandchildren, wandering with her cup of coffee as she followed their lead on little adventures. Cheryl was deeply committed to living a healthy and intentional lifestyle. She was mindful about eating clean, nourishing her body, and took great care in researching homeopathic and natural remedies. Ahead of her time, Cheryl embraced holistic approaches to wellness long before they became widely popular, ending with a steak a day.

Blessed with a true green thumb, Cheryl had a remarkable ability to grow just about anything. She cultivated a wide variety of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and especially loved her red geraniums (where mourning doves often made nests). No matter where she lived, Cheryl made it a point to surround herself and others with beauty, whether lining the hallways of her apartment building with flowers or creating vibrant, lush gardens on her balcony. She also took pride in growing a thriving selection of vegetables and maintaining a plot in a community garden.

Cheryl had the unique privilege of growing up in Venezuela and throughout her life, living in several cities around the world, including France and Bulgaria. These experiences shaped her deep appreciation for culture, language, and travel. She was fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and also proficient in Italian. Cheryl had a passion for exploring the world, traveling extensively across Europe and beyond. Wherever her journeys took her, she made it a point to visit historic churches, finding both beauty and spiritual connection within their walls. Having visited more than 100 churches, she never lost her sense of awe for their architecture and the peace they inspired.

Cheryl had a gift for bringing people together and loved to host and entertain. Her dinner parties were lively and memorable, filled with delicious food, laughter, dancing, and games. She especially enjoyed playing Pictionary and Charades. Inspired by her travels around the world, Cheryl took great pride in preparing international cuisine for her guests. She mastered Southern Indian dishes such as idli and dosa, prepared spanakopita, and made fresh pesto using ingredients she grew in her own garden.

Cheryl’s greatest joy came from her family and friends, and she cherished every moment spent together. She shared a close bond with her mother and sisters, making frequent visits to see them in Ohio and South Carolina. A devoted and loving mother, she took immense pride in her family and absolutely adored her grandchildren. Cheryl will be deeply missed by all and will leave a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know her.

Cheryl is survived by her loving son, Michael (Megan) Dimitrov; her grandchildren, Robby, Emme, and one on the way; her mother, Peggy Ali Barron; her sisters, Jeanne McHugh, Terri (Byram Sewell) Lingsch, Moira Murphy, Andrea Lingsch, and Ana Lisa (Mike) Albright. She was preceded in death by her father, John Lingsch and her former husband, Ognian Dimitrov.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., instate 9:00 a.m. at Assumption Grotto, 13770 Gratiot Ave., Detroit. She will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.  Following the committal prayers at the cemetery the family would like you to join them for a memorial luncheon at Garage Grill and Fuel Bar, 202 W. Main Street, Northville.