Sheryl Marie Malinics, 66, of Christiana, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, surrounded in love and prayer by her family and friends.

Sheryl was the beloved wife of Martin "Marty" Malinics, with whom she would have celebrated 43 years of marriage on June 26. Their love story began in 1980 at Brethren in Christ Church in Lewisberry, PA. It was an instant connection that blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, laughter, and deep friendship.

One of their favorite traditions was an annual trip to Dewey Beach, where they would sit hand-in-hand on the balcony, watching the sun set over the bay. What started as a quiet ritual for just the two of them soon grew to include their two sons – and later, their daughter-in-law – creating years of cherished memories along the shore.

Born in Mesa, Arizona, Sheryl was the daughter of Joan Zimmerman Peahl Feeney of Jacksboro, TN, and the late Arlen Peahl. Her early years were filled with adventure, having lived in Oregon, Iowa, Texas, and Virginia. She even lived in Japan where she spent five formative years exploring a new culture that forever influenced her love of travel and learning.

A 1977 graduate of Red Land High School, Sheryl was a member of the National Honor Society. She excelled in Englishand was the sole recipient of the school's "Best in English" award. She later attended Penn State University and graduated summa cum laude from Penn Central Business School.

Sheryl's favorite novel was Little Women , and like her literary heroine, Jo March, Sheryl had a passion for storytelling and children's education. She devoted her life to nurturing young minds, even turning her home into a haven for "Little Men." She homeschooled her two sons with creativity and care, always encouraging them to follow their interests whether that meant building computers in the basement, playing soccer in the backyard, or going on camping adventures in Cub Scouts. Whatever they were into, Sheryl was right there to cheer them on.

Beyond her own family, Sheryl tutored local students and served as a nanny, opening her heart and home to each child as if they were her own. Later, she became a beloved librarian at Octorara Intermediate School until her retirement in 2022.

Sheryl was a longtime member of Encounter Church, where her faith came to life through service. She poured her heart into the "Young Warriors" middle school ministry. Whether she was leading a lesson, sharing stories, or simply sitting beside a student who needed encouragement, she made every child feel seen, known, and deeply loved.

Sheryl had an infectious smile that lit up her whole face, and she had a particular gift for making everyone feel instantly at home in her presence. A true people person, Sheryl was a bubbly extrovert who never missed a high school reunion and made a point to stay in touch with old friends and extended family. Sheryl loved using Facebook to reflect on sweet memories, share life's current happenings, and offer thought-provoking conversations. But she especially used it to encourage others by making a point to celebrate everyone's achievements, no matter how big or how small.

A woman of many passions, Sheryl was a published author, a proud cat mom, and a lover of all things desert and Southwest. She adored The Sound of Music, and one of her most cherished memories was dancing to "Edelweiss" with her son at his wedding. She loved going off on new adventures or simply being curled up with a book and a cup of tea. She made everyone around her feel seen, safe, and at home.

Sheryl is survived by her mother, Joan; her loving husband, Marty; her sons, Joel Malinics and Micah Malinics, husband of Morgan Koetting Malinics; her brothers, Robert "Bob" Peahl of Harrisburg and Jonathan "Jon" Peahl of Honolulu, HI; and her niece, Alexandra "Allie" Peahl of Portland, OR.

A funeral service will be held at Encounter Church, 300 Hideaway Drive, Quarryville, PA, on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor John Monk will officiate. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Flowers can be sent to Shivery Funeral Home in Christiana, PA.

If there's one thing we can remember of Sheryl's life, it's that she embodied what it means to be a friend.