Cheryl Aleita Rainey

Cheryl Aleita (Garlent) Rainey of Bracebridge passed away peacefully at The Pines on November 3, 2025, at the age of 81.

Cheryl was born on October 11, 1944, to Edward and Elizabeth (Gray) in Brantford, Ontario. As a young girl, she enjoyed swimming and tap dancing. An accomplished swimmer, she would frequently swim across Belwood Lake at the family cottage.

As a teenager, she would often spend her summers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, visiting her sister and brother-in-law, who was stationed there with the Royal Canadian Navy. During one of these visits, she was introduced to a young sailor, and it was love at first sight. She married Eric Vincent Rainey in Halifax on April 28, 1962. They returned to Brantford and raised four children; David (Louanne), Andrew (Kathy), Christopher (Cheryl), and Shannon Holstock (Don).

Cheryl always put her family’s needs first, often going without to ensure her children had the necessities. While her husband worked long hours, she would balance housework and childcare while working part-time at the local grocery store and harvesting tobacco to help put food on the table.

Later in life, when she had more free time, Cheryl let her artistic side shine through tole painting, sewing, and knitting. She was an avid walker and enjoyed her daily strolls through town.

She was a proud grandmother to Ashley, Caitlynn, Michael, Lauren, Dylan, Lynell, Candice, Jacob, and Taylor, and great-grandmother to Adaline, Aria, Nora, Quinn, Bennett, and Charlotte.

Cheryl is predeceased by her husband, parents, brother Rick, and sister Betty Shunk.

A special thank you to James Street Retirement Residence, The Pines Long Term Care Home, and Dr. Whynot for their compassionate care of our mother

A celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or The Pines Long Term Care Home in Bracebridge, and can be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home.