Cheryl L. (Taylor) Bagenstose, 72, of Sinking Spring, passed away on the morning of Sunday, April 24, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Cheryl was born in Abington Hospital on August 8, 1949 and grew up in Ambler, PA, the daughter of Allan and Joyce (Hayward) Taylor. Cheryl was the wife of Brian W. Bagenstose, with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 14, 2021.
Cheryl graduated from Wissahickon High School in 1967 and Kutztown State College in 1971, where she majored in art education. "Mrs. B." taught art in the Reading School District for 32 years, last teaching at Thomas Ford Elementary School. She then continued to serve as a dedicated and enthusiastic substitute for many years after her retirement.
Cheryl's varied interests were apparent in high school, where her beautiful singing voice graced the Wissahickon Folk Singers when they appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and where she earned a varsity letter as the 2nd highest scorer on the school's rifle team. Cheryl loved musical theater, appearing in Kutztown's 1968 production of "Flower Drum Song," and, during the week of her 72nd birthday, Genesius Theater's 2021 production of "Hair." Cheryl's enthusiasm and creativity inspired generations of Reading School District students, and her many paintings, drawings, photographs and craft projects remain as treasured reminders of her love of the arts.
Cheryl was active in a host of community, artistic, religious and political organizations including Red Hat Society, Mifflin Senior Center, Goggle Works, Yocum Institute of the Arts, Immanuel UCC church, and the local Democratic party.
In addition to her husband, Cheryl is survived by daughters Amanda Joyce (Bagenstose) Marsden, Erica Leigh (Bagenstose) Kidd, and son, Kyle Ernest Bagenstose, husband of Samantha Beaino. Cheryl was the beloved "Mimi" of grandchildren Aidan Everett Kidd, Brennan Shaw Kidd, Taylor Mae Kidd, and William Brian Marsden. She is also survived by her sister Lana, and her husband Michael Wilson of New Oxford, PA and sister-in-law, Jane Taylor of Centre Hall, PA, widow of Cheryl's brother, Craig, as well as her faithful canine companions, Missy and Jac.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 7, at 10:00 A.M. in Immanuel UCC Church in Shillington. A celebration of life will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Donations in Cheryl's name may be made to the Cheryl L. Bagenstose Memorial Fund at Immanuel UCC; 99 S. Waverly Street; Shillington, PA 19607. All funds will be distributed among the arts related organizations Cheryl supported and which in turn served as outlets for her active and joyful participation.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com