Herma "Cherry" Henrietta Bartley
December 27, 1944 - July 17, 2026

Herma "Cherry" Henrietta Bartley passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.

Born in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica, to Godfrey and Cinderella Heath, Cherry was raised alongside her siblings in a home filled with love, faith, and strong family values.

At just 15 years old, she travelled to England during the Windrush era. Following the birth of her first daughter, Marcelle, she immigrated to London, Ontario, Canada, where she worked in a tax office. She later spent a short time living in Paterson, New Jersey, before returning to Canada.

After becoming a Canadian citizen in 1971, Cherry began a career as a health care aide at Chelsea Park Nursing Home in Mississauga. Deeply committed to the people she cared for and the colleagues she worked alongside, she became a passionate advocate for workers' rights and proudly served as a union steward.

While building her career, she welcomed her second daughter, Natasha, and devoted herself to creating a loving home for her family.

Cherry was known for her generous spirit and open heart. She welcomed countless family members and friends into her home, helping many begin new lives in Canada. She believed in lifting others up and was always ready to offer a place to stay, words of encouragement, or a helping hand.

In the late 1980s, she relocated to South Florida to be closer to her parents and siblings. There, she continued her work as a private health care aide, forming lasting bonds with those she cared for. She treated every patient with dignity, compassion, and kindness, as though they were members of her own family.

Later in life, Cherry divided her time between Canada and her beloved hometown of Rocky Point, Jamaica. She remained a devoted member of St. Andrew's Church, where her faith continued to guide her throughout her life.

In Canada, she also played an invaluable role in helping raise her beloved grandchildren, Julian and Vanessa. Being a grandmother brought her immense joy, and she treasured every moment spent with her family.

Cherry will be remembered for her infectious laughter, unwavering generosity, resilient spirit, and zest for life. She found happiness in bringing people together, supporting others in pursuing their dreams, and making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. Her kindness, strength, and compassion touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue through the many people she loved and inspired.

Cherry is survived by her daughters, Marcelle ( Bobby) and Natasha; her siblings, George, Dottie, Iva, Carl, Ann Marie, and Vindella; her cherished grandchildren, Julian and Vanessa; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Renetha, Hugh, Raines and Fay.

A memorial service celebrating Cherry's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

At a later date, Cherry will be lovingly returned to her homeland of Jamaica, where a second service will be held at her home church, St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Rocky Point. She will then be laid to rest in the community she always called home.