Cheryl Ann Widen Piekarski, 72, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully in Nashua after a life filled with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends.
Born on August 29, 1952, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Cheryl was the beloved daughter of the late Elmer “Al” Widen and Virginia Francis Harris Widen. She was raised in Boxford, MA, and later studied fashion design in Boston—laying the foundation for a life steeped in creativity, warmth, and a uniquely caring spirit.
Cheryl worked as a skilled hairdresser for several years after college. After marrying Mark Wilfrid Piekarski, she dedicated herself to raising their two sons, giving them every opportunity to explore the world through education, culture, and life experiences. While volunteering at Bicentennial School in Nashua, Cheryl met Joan Abbot, who introduced her to what would become one of her greatest lifelong passions: rescuing and rehabilitating cats.
Cheryl poured her heart and soul into her work with Kitty Angels, a cat rescue organization that she supported with extraordinary dedication. She converted garage bays into climate-controlled shelters, where she lovingly nursed sick, injured, and traumatized cats back to health—administering IV fluids, tending to wounds, and restoring their trust. Through her care, hundreds of cats found healing and ultimately, loving forever homes.
Outside of her animal rescue work, Cheryl’s spirit was deeply connected to nature, the desert, and the philosophy of Native American cultures. She adored horseback riding, especially in the red rock canyons of Sedona and the saguaro-dotted landscapes of Tucson. She found peace and purpose in the wilderness and traveled many times to Arizona and Colorado to ride through the high desert. She held a special reverence for the natural world and often said she was most at home among the horses and the quiet stillness of the land.
In quieter moments, Cheryl found joy in jigsaw puzzles—amassing a vast library of puzzles that she shared generously with her friends at the Nashua Senior Center.
Cheryl is survived by her sons, Chase Garrett Piekarski and Brenton John Piekarski; her daughters-in-law, Nicole Helton Piekarski and Sabrina Huckins; her grandchildren, Aria Fay Piekarski, Keelan Cash Piekarski, and Jayde Alexa Tuscano, whom she loved deeply and spoke of with constant pride; and many beloved cousins, extended family members, and friends. She also leaves behind cherished friendships with Kim McCaw, Khristine Motard, Pat Francis, Maureen Doolittle, and Ginny Connors.
In her final days, Cheryl was surrounded by devoted caregivers whose compassion brought great comfort: Nurses Kate Lynn Guillemette, Denise Hernandez, Michelle Walburger, Sara, and the entire staff at Courville and Aynsley Place, along with the team from Merrimack Home Health and Hospice Care.
Visiting hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
In lieu of flowers, Cheryl’s family asks that you consider a living tribute by sending replantable flowers or plants that can grow on in her memory—or by making a donation to Kitty Angels, in honor of her tireless love for animals.
