News Summary
Cheryl ‘Sherrel’ Amato Cuccia, a cherished matriarch from New Orleans, has passed away at the age of 80. Known for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her family, she leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Having been married to Joseph A. Cuccia, Jr. for 59 years, she was supporting her daughters and five grandchildren in every facet of their lives. Involved in her community and known for her generous heart, her passing leaves a significant void in the lives of family and friends.
New Orleans – Cheryl “Sherrel” Amato Cuccia, a beloved matriarch and lifelong resident of New Orleans, passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 80. Known for her vibrant personality and deep devotion to her family, she leaves behind a loving legacy that will be cherished by many.
Cheryl was married to Joseph A. Cuccia, Jr. for 59 years, and together they created a warm and nurturing family environment. She is survived by two daughters, Charel Cuccia Maheu, married to Christopher, and Janine Cuccia Macaluso, married to Nicholas. As a grandmother, she was affectionately dubbed “GeeGee” or “Granny” by her five grandchildren: Christopher Maheu, II (married to Amanda), Connor Maheu, Catie Maheu, Savanah Macaluso, and Sarah Macaluso D’Angelo (married to Collin).
In addition to her immediate family, Cheryl is mourned by her older brother, Richard Amato, who survives her, and his family. She also leaves behind five nephews: Jason Amato (married to Kristin), Justin Amato, Joseph M. Amato, Jordan Amato, and Joel Amato, along with several sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cheryl’s dedication to her family was evident in her active participation in their lives. She never missed a single event involving her children and grandchildren, ensuring that she was always present to support and cheer them on. Cheryl enjoyed spending quality time with her husband, Joe, watching their favorite TV series and relaxing evenings on their deck.
Besides her family obligations, Cheryl also cherished time spent with friends. She was an active member of her community, regularly gathering with the “Card Club Girls” and enjoying lunches with her friends from Sacred Heart High School. Her hobbies included an array of enjoyable activities such as gardening, sewing, playing tennis, and engaging in crossword puzzles. Cheryl also held a strong passion for reading and found great joy in cooking Sunday meals and hosting holiday gatherings for her loved ones.
Cheryl’s love for animals was well-known, especially her beloved dog, “Muffin Ann,” who provided her companionship for many years. She exhibited a generous spirit throughout her life, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh, earning her a reputation for being outgoing, loving, and witty—qualities that endeared her to all who crossed her path.
Cheryl’s educational journey began at Sacred Heart School, where she attended for 12 years. She later obtained a degree in bookkeeping and dedicated much of her life to being a homemaker. Aside from her primary role at home, she held various jobs that showcased her strong work ethic, including a 12-year tenure at The Cenacle on the Lake retreat house and 18 years with John Zamora III Attorney at Law.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Francis Amato and Lorraine Marchal Amato, her baby sister, Barbara Amato, and sister-in-law, Susan Baldwin Amato. Her passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of her family and friends.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2025, starting at 1 PM, with visitation beginning at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), located at 160 Brookhollow Esplanade, Elmwood, LA 70123. Contributions can also be made via Venmo @ARNO_Shelter or through their website.
Cheryl “Sherrel” Amato Cuccia’s loving spirit and the fond memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who knew her, making her an enduring presence in the lives she touched.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Cheryl Cuccia
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Legacy.com: Patricia Cuccia
- Google Search: Cheryl Cuccia
- Legacy.com: Ronald Cuccia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Dignity Memorial: Susan Amato
- Google News: New Orleans Obituaries
- Legacy.com: Cheryl Trandacosta
- Google Scholar: New Orleans
- Legacy.com: Benjamin Spansel
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
