College mourns loss of beloved Proctor supervisor Harrington

Author: Caroline S. Stauffer

Cheryl Harrington, servery supervisor at Proctor dining hall, died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday evening in her home in East Middlebury. Harrington was watching television with her husband at the time of her death.

Harrington, who was 45, is survived by husband Chuck Harrington, second cook at Proctor, and son Justin, prep cook at Atwater. She came to work at the College in November 1998.

"Harrington was instrumental in the redesign of Proctor this past fall," noted President Ronald D. Liebowitz in an e-mail to faculty and staff.

Members of Dining Services recalled Harrington's devotion to her husband, endlessly positive attitude, sense of humor and willingness to help out in any situation.

"Cheryl was very jovial," Director of Dining Services Matthew Biette said. "She would wise crack with me with a wry smile. We had fun."

Both Biette and Liebowitz noted Harrington's fondness and enthusiasm for preparing for and participating in the special events held at Proctor. Harrington always dressed up for Halloween and pajama day, helped organize special events for students and staff and participated in Karaoke night.

"Last year, 'I've got you Babe,' the Sonny and Cher song, was her duet with [DS IT Analyst/Office Administration] John Nordmeyer," recalled Biette. "After the song, she was quick to remind us that Chuck was her babe and John stood no chance. This was not so much a slight to John but truly a testament to her relationship with her husband."

Liebowitz called Cheryl and Chuck an "unusually loving couple," and said, "they were more often seen together than apart."

Biette also noted, "She was very dedicated to the people, students and staff, at Proctor."

Harrington played an instrumental role in the training of Proctor's high school workers.

"Cheryl is what held Proctor together," said Chris Crane, a Proctor dining worker currently in high school.

"She was always really nice to all us high school workers," added Alex Bishop, another Proctor staff member.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cheryl," Biette said, speaking for all workers in Dining Services. "When people found out, myself included, we were struck by the impossible happening that someone so full of life could have been taken so quickly."

Harrington's funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in Mead Chapel.