Loyal Mom Can’t Say “No” – And That’s OK

Cheryl Lynn Altman is an amazing woman – warm, loving, and diligent. She has a sharp sense of humor, and she knows a lot from 36 years of motherhood and six years of being a grandmother. But there’s something she still hasn’t learned – how to say “no.”

“The word ‘no’ isn’t in her vocabulary,” her sons Alex and Eric said. “She’s given us freedom in our lives and let us do what we enjoy.” 

This Mother’s Day, Cheryl’s two children, plus daughter-in-law Kari Altman (Alex’s wife), want her to know she brings so much to the family and makes life’s special moments even better.

“She’s taught us to approach life with empathy and spirit, to be kind to others, and to pursue our passions,” Alex said. “She’s never nudged her kids in any particular direction. She loves unconditionally and embodies the principles we’re instilling in her grandchildren.”

Cheryl was born to Sam and Ruth Finkel in Detroit, Michigan, on June 10, 1952. She has made quite the mark since then, as her kids remember how she always managed to surprise them, including pulling them out of elementary school to take them on an unexpected trip and getting a portable fan stuck in her hair at Tiger Stadium. 

Through everything – from cruises across the Caribbean to her role as “nana” or grandma to 6-year-old Hudson and 4-year-old Reece – Cheryl has been a loyal and shining light to those fortunate enough to know her.

“Her infectious personality brightens every room,” said her children. “She always shows up when you need her. As a wife, mother, and friend, nobody is more loyal than her.”

As an example of her loyalty, Cheryl has had the same core group of friends (named Elyse, Sue, and Caryn) since they were all young girls. Plus, her and her husband James Altman will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this September.

Cheryl’s cheerful attitude , meanwhile, was helpful in her first job at Hamilton Miller, as she oversaw the complaints that came in for the company, usually from frustrated passengers who had a plane that was delayed. 

She left Hamilton Miller and eventually became a successful copywriter at an ad agency, before transitioning to the part-time work that she currently does helping James at his bingo hall.

Now partially retired, Cheryl likes to dive into a book, play cards with her friends, reach new Candy Crush levels, take naps, and cash in her FreePlay at the video poker machine at Hollywood Casino Toledo. She is also an outstanding trivia player, with a previous appearance on Wheel of Fortune.

But above all her hobbies, Cheryl just loves being with her family and saying yes to everything they desire.

“We are monumentally grateful for everything that she’s given us,” said her children. “We tease her a lot because…that’s what we do…but we do it all out of love. We literally couldn’t imagine a better mom or nana than Cheryl.”