Judith A. Cheries Jones

Calling hours are Monday, January 26, 2015 from 3-6 PM with funeral service to follow at 6:00 PM in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd Fitchburg, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Mama Graham Memorial Fund c/o Leominster Credit Union, 20 Adams St., Leominster, MA 01453.



udith Ann (Jones) Cheries, died on January 20, 2015 of injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Westminster, MA.

Judy was born April 12, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Vernice (McDonnell) and Raymond Jones. She was raised in Brockton, MA by her maternal grandmother, Evelyn McDonnell and her beloved Aunt, Claire Burgess.

Judy made her home with her children in Worcester, MA and eventually Leominster, MA where she has remained for the past 40 years.

Judy was one of the pioneers in Massachusetts in AIDS awareness and research and devoted much of her life to educating others, especially children, in the prevention of AIDS and in the dangers of addiction. She spent years working in school systems throughout Massachusetts as a featured speaker for various agencies who promoted AIDS education. She enjoyed her years working with kids and met many, many people whose lives were forever impacted by her sharing her story. Judy was a “Friend of Bill’s” and cherished the many friendships she made through that association.

Judy had a heart of gold and would give to anyone in need. She never met a single person she felt was not worth saving. Though she weathered many stormy times in life, she never let those times make her bitter. She used her experiences good and bad to make her a better and even more compassionate person. She loved the ocean and spent many summers at Hampton Beach giving each of her grandchildren their turn spending vacations with her. She was a gifted writer and an avid reader.

Judy’s greatest joy in life came from time with her children and grandchildren. Her wish was always for them to live full lives never giving up when the times get tough. She was a shining example of strength as she NEVER gave up.

Judy was predeceased by her mother, Vernice, her adored maternal grandparents, Edward and Evelyn McDonnell; her brother, Paul Jones; her brother, Robert Bosak, and recently her Aunt Claire.

Judy leaves behind her husband, Robert Cheries of Templeton, MA. She also leaves s son, Mark Mahar of Quincy, MA; a son, William Jones of Leominster and his children, Nevin, Amanda, Stacey and William. She leaves her only daughter and her husband, Lainey and Rich Barry of Leominster and their children, John, Matt, Mark, David and Briahnna; her son, Clauzell Jones of Leominster and his children, Sierra and CJ; her son and his wife, Damon and Rhonda Jones of Fitchburg and their children, Sharee, Nathan, Kyle and Krystina; her son, Jason Graham of Leominster and his best friend, Holly Boulay and all of “their children” at Pro Athletics All Stars. She also leaves her step daughter, Mandy Cheries of Templeton, MA and her children, Brandee, Deedee, Olivia and Jared and her step son, Robert Cheries of Athol, MA and his children, Robby and Elizabeth. Judy also leaves her brother, Victor Bosak of Richmond, Virginia; her sisters, Karen (“Lainey”) Fontaine of Melbourne, FL, Ann Marie Bosak of Fitchburg, MA, Beverly O’Connell of Wilmington, MA, and Marilyn Hurt of East Peoria, Illinois. She also leaves her best friend, Jackie Fairbanks of Fitchburg, MA. She leaves 21 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She often told her daughter, “Life is for the living, so live” and her family will do their best to continue to live and never give up just as she never ever gave up.