Condolences
Dr Sandor and Family, My heart goes out to you all. All My prayers and love. I cant begin to know your pain. Cheryl was beautiful and so sweet. May God be right beside You holding you up every day and for Cheryl's Husband and Children May feel her presence with you always. I am so very sorry. I had no idea until Jen told me today, Or I would have been there. My prayers to all of you that God's healing is upon You and only the good memories and presence stay with you everyday. Love, Sheryl
It is with great sadness that we have learned of Cheryl's passing. We had been away for the past month, and someone just told us about her sudden passing. We thought she was such a delightful person, and had such confidence in her being our dentist. We both will truly miss her, and we send our sincerest sympathy to ALL of her family and friends. Her personality was top notched! Nick and Jane Spadafino
Thank you everyone for your prayers and kindness during this most difficult time for my family. I am overcome with emotion seeing how much you all cared for Cher and My Family. Through your support and through the strength we have from within, we hope to be able to move on. Cher is my soulmate, my once in a life time love. She will never be forgotten. Thank you, thank you all. Warmly, Brad Birnbaum
Hello, family and friends. Please bear with me this morning, because I have so much to share, and I will find it hard to hide my emotions. This tribute to my wife is only a minor reflection of my love for her and the wonderful life we've had together for the last 40 years. Imagine that. 40 Years.
It all started on January 7, 1971, the day that the Birnbaum Family: My Dad Irv, Mom Ros, and Baby Sister Stef moved to Freehold, NJ. A funny thing happened about a day later. I was walking down the street and was greeted by a snowball that hit me right in the face. I later found out the kid who threw it lived at the corner house, and his name was Louie. Though I was upset at first, Louie and his brother Barry and I quickly became friends. We'd ride mopeds, motorcycles, play baseball and basically get into a lot of clean, wholesome trouble. Well really they would ride them, I would crash them. We never did anything that bad, maybe a broken window, a crashed moped or some fireworks but nothing a good grounding from our parents couldn't cure. But there was something else. The day I noticed their sister, Cheryl.
Even as a kid, Cheryl was something special. Smart, outgoing, tough, sensitive, athletic and oh, so beautiful. She'd play baseball with us in the street and manhunt at night. But it was that smile… the smile that would light up a room from 1000 yards away. Oh that smile. Wow. I was instantly attracted to her, so I enlisted the help of her brother. One day, we all went for a walk, her brother held her arms and I kissed her. Her response was a very unromantic "Yuck…" (she would have n and after that, not surprisingly, I was banned from their home.
But I was not deterred. I apologized and was again allowed to hang out with her brothers. Years later, still smitten, I resumed my courtship of Cheryl not by spontaneous kisses but by putting notes in her locker at school. She would have nothing of it. Then one day in high school Cher found out I was going to ask this girl Nancy on a date and that's the day Cher decided she'd like to sit with me at lunch. Poor Nancy, I never did ask her out. With Cher beside me, I forgot all about anyone else.
Our first date first official date was in April 1978, one month before the Senior Prom, which she agreed to go to with me. We went to see the movie Grease. A year later we went to her Senior Prom. I knew I had found my soulmate. Strange how things happen and you just know deep inside it's so right. We were meant to be together all along.
We dated for the next 10 years and then I wanted to get married, so I asked her parents for permission. I had bought her a diamond engagement ring. Her Dad, Lou, made me promise that we wouldn't get married until she finished dental school. I thought that was permission enough, but two minutes before walking down the aisle at our wedding Lou told me he still hadn't technically given me the green light. Gotta love him. Letting go is so hard.
In fact, following the ceremony and the party afterward, Barry said to his sister, "OK, lets go home Cherrie." It hadn't sunk into anyone that we were really married.
From the moment we exchanged our I Do's., I knew I had gained an incredible wife and a life-long companion. I also gained two brothers, Barry and Louie. My sister Stef gained a close confident, and the sister she never had. Cher's love was without limits and shared with everyone. They would grow closer and closer over the years. Stef would move to Tennessee and then to Ohio, where she would find the love of her life, Waleed. They'd have a beautiful daughter, Kamila, who Cher adored. She would speak to Stef often and was always there wherever and whenever Stef needed, as Stef would always do the same. Cher's love knew no bounds.
Cher was always innocent, loving, caring and sensitive. For a while, we lived in Jackson NJ, at a 60-acre reserve and loved just being in each other's company. Soon after, other relatives joined the fun. Scott and Patti Lindenbaum and Richard and Marci Deutch also moved to our development. It was great because we got to see a lot of each other.
We had our son, Bradley, four years later. I discovered that Cher was not only an amazing wife, she was also an amazing mother. Bradley was colicky and required so much attention. But she loved him always and beyond measure. He was so good looking as a child, so adorable. Taylor Lautner would be proud.
And Bradley loved loud places. In fact, as a toddler, he couldn't get enough of loud music, so we took him to parties, where he would dance around until he passed out. Together we loved to coddle and cuddle and rock our sweet Bradley. Cher lovingly cared for him all day. I would care for him at night. Motherhood came so naturally for her. I couldn't believe that one woman could be so loving and so giving.
We moved to Freehold to be close to my ailing mother, Ros, who at the time was suffering from cancer. The idea was to move closer to her during her time of need. Unfortunately, she died one week before we closed on the new house. It was with great sadness that she never saw Bradley's first birthday.
Yet even during this time of sorrow, I knew I was lucky to have such a wonderful life with an amazing wife and son. And then life got even better when the world's most wonderful daughter, Nicolette, came into this world. Wow, I was truly blessed.
They say kids change your life and it's true. My wife and my kids complete me. Nicolette is so much like my wife, it's incredible. Cher took piano lessons as a child. Nikki also took lessons. But Nikki has taken her gifts to heights Cher and I never could have imagined. Nikki is an extraordinary pianist. She is a beautiful person, tough on the exterior, yet so incredibly tender and sensitive on the inside. She carries with her my wife's best qualities: patience, perseverance, and compassion. Nikki will make a wonderful teacher some day and will inspire others like she's inspired her family. These beautiful kids have made me who I am today.
And I know this is because of the many family and friends in our lives, especially Sandy, who was always there to help. The love she shared for her family was passed on by Cher and will continue on through Bradley and Nikki.
Don't get me wrong, our family had its share of trials and tribulations. Really I should say that I had trials and tribulations and if it weren't for Cher, I wouldn't be here today. Cher stuck with me, cared for me, loved me, and kicked my a___ the way no one else would or could have. She was strong when I was weak, and words can never say enough about my regrets. I am proud to have to have shared so many amazing moments with the greatest woman I have ever known.
Our kids were involved in so many different things, again because of Cher. Nicolette had Dance, Horseback Riding and Karate, talents that all must have come from her mom. Bradley had little league and Karate. He developed into a championship-winning martial artist and a fine upstanding young man. He is studying Information Technology at Drexel. Nikki has become a concert pianist with aspirations of becoming a music teacher. Cher was their guiding light, their ambassador of goodwill, and their angel of music.
Cher's loving and enthusiastic approach to helping her children fulfill their dreams was second to none. Together, we went to the kids' competitions, we enrolled the kids in Huntington and Oxford to support their education, we helped score and judge tournaments, and we went to horseback lessons, even when it was two degrees above zero. We went to dance recitals and voice lessons. We saw our young boy emerge into a lethal martial artist with the heart of a teddy bear. Now he is a DJ, spinning his custom sound tracks in some of the Hottest Clubs in Philadelphia and he is a devoted brother of PIKE.
My dad always loved Cher. Had a special love for his "Second" Daughter. His generosity brought many smiles to her through the years. Sometimes his peculiarity would get her going on a rant. But they always loved each other.
Cher: Over the years we did so many things together. We were always together. We saw Broadway shows, sometimes two or three times, The Magic Show, Annie, 42nd Street, The Lion King, Stomp and many others. We took a dinner cruise with a limo that said made you feel like a princess. We saw Billy Joel, Cher, The Police and many others, We went to weddings, my sisters' and both my brothers-in-law, bar and bat mitzvahs, the first back in 1983 for my cousin Jeff. We went to Disneyworld countless times, Epcot, Universal Studios, and even Daytona International Speedway. We took countless trips to Wildwood NJ. You always loved the beach.
For the holidays, we'd visit Cher's parents, Sandy and Lou, and were always invited to one brothers'. Family was so important to her. Two years ago, in front of our family, we renewed our commitment to each other and I gave you the Diamond Eternity Ring you always deserved. More recently we took a family trip to Punta Canta, in the Dominican Republic, for our 25th Anniversary, something Cher had always wanted to do. It was always the two of us, Me and Cher. She had so much to give to the world. She was a role model beyond all others for our kids. She was my General Patton, always leading, and never following. She is my soul mate and now she is my Angel. She is everyone's Angel.
So the question why? Why did this happen? I have no answers. This was not part of the plan. This was not supposed to happen. And I, like I know you are, am heartbroken.
Cher made us laugh and cry. She wiped our tears and held us tight. She was there to witness each of our successes and each of our failures. She kept me strong, but more than anything she gave her life for the benefit of everyone else. Everyone else always came first.
This last week my memory has been in overload and I have been forgetting everything. But the love I have for Cher has always been unconditional and I know Cher, your love for me was always the same. Your grace, your brilliance, your smile, your humility, your presence, your charm, your wit, and your love will be part of me, for the rest of my life. Right here in my heart. For what we shared was far more than anyone can ever expect in a lifetime.
And while our hearts are indeed broken, with huge voids that perhaps only time will heal, we will move forward, together as one family, because that's how Cher would have wanted it.
I promise you Cher, in front of so many dear witnesses that have come today from near and far, I promise to fulfill ALL of our plans. Our kids, no longer kids but young adults, will graduate. Bradley from Drexel and Nikki from Colts Neck High School.
Together we worked hard to help both kids reach their goals, but your vision, your research, your input, and your steadfast desire and devotion will always be cherished and remembered. I promise you Cher, Nikki, you will go to college as planned as well, and will fulfill her dreams. I guarantee it.
To Bradley and Nikki, I look forward to giving you my love and support no matter where life takes you. I look forward to your relationships, even marriages and maybe one day even grandkids. I know at each high and low point in your future your mom will there in spirit watching over you. Above all, I pledge all my love, all my adoration, my unending support and my heart to both of you.
To my Angel and Soulmate Cher in Heaven, May God Bless you and love you the way you have loved us.
I love you, I love you, I love you!
Rest in Peace, My Love, Rest in Peace
Amen
Dr. Sandor-Birnbaum was terrific! You knew you were in good hands when she took care of you. She had the brains and the passion and she will be missed tremendously. All our sympathies to her brother and family. Richard and Mary Jane
I was deeply saddened to learn this week of Dr. Sandor-Birnbaum's recent passing. My family and I have been patients of hers and Dr. Barry's for many, many years, and I always thought the world of her both personally and professionally. She had a warm, friendly approach to her patients, a great sense of humor and she was wonderfully skilled as a dentist. She genuinely cared about the health and well-being of her patients, and it showed in her work and in her attitude and approach. To Doctor Sandor-Birnbaum's family and to her colleagues: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. Please accept my sincere condolences. May you be sustained by the support of those around you (myself included) and by the many warm memories that you have of Dr. Sandor-Birnbaum. I will always remember her with fondness and respect.
I was very shocked and saddened when I heard the news of Dr. Cheryl's passing. I had just visited with her a few weeks ago for a checkup. Even though I only knew her for a short time she honestly was the best dentist I've ever had. Just a wonderful person that made even the most uncomfortable in the dentist's chair feel welcome and at ease. She always impressed me with how thoroughly she approached her job and her patients and her willingness to engage you in technical conversation about dentistry. My deepest sympathies to her entire family.
I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in your precious memories.
Brad, Dr.and Mrs. Sandor and family: My most sincere condolences at this most difficult time.
It is with deep sadness and shock to bring you these words of sympathy. Dr.Birnbaum was such a vital part of the Sandor-Birnbaum dentistry team.She would want you all to have the strength to go on and continue her legacy of hard work, tenacity, and love of what you do. I will miss her support and chats about our children and college. Brad and Nicolette,your Mom loved you very much and is watching down making sure you continue down the right path. SHe was very, very, proud of you. God Bless the Sandor-Birnbaum family.
Our deepest sympathy to the Birnbaum and Sandor family on the loss of Dr. Cheryl A Sandor-Birnbaum. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and give you comfort. John and Kathryn Skripak and Family
I send my love and profound sadness to cousins Brad, Bradley Jr. and Nicolette on the loss of a dear and caring wife, mother, daughter and cousin. It has been such a pleasure to be in her family and I miss her very much. She was and remains a light to all.
My deepest sympathy is extended to all of Cheryl's family. Stay strong, that is probably what she would say. Sincerely, Jeannie Zanko Bobek
Mommy, you were the best mother any dogs could have. See you on the other side.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of the family, friends and staff at this very sad time.
Words cannot express our sadness for your loss. May the loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. Dr.B will live on in the hearts of many and will never be forgotten.
Sandra, Lou and the Sandor-Birnbaum family. Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. We have known you for close to 19 years when we delivered your news each day. To Brad and Cheryl's kids, May each day bring comfort knowing you have been loved your whole life through. With Sympathy, Sue and Bob Brueckner
Barry, So sorry to hear of the sad news. My condolences go out to you and your family. With Sincere Sympathy, Shelly Janczewski-Romano
Dr. Lou I was your pharmacist in Lane Drugs next to the ShopRite a long time ago. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I was shocked and saddened when I read about Dr. Cheryl's passing. She was mine and my children's dentist and she was one of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm so sorry for your families loss.
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to each and every member of the family over this tragic loss.
Brad, Bradley and Nicolette, may you find comfort in the memories and love you shared. Our deepest sorrow and condolences are with you. Suzy, Scott and Stefany
Brad, Louie & Barry , So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayer are with you & your families at this difficult time. Eileen McGough
Our deepest sympathies are with all of you. May your wonderful memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts. Bradley I had so many fun conversations with your mom while you were working with Liz at the dojo. She was very proud of you.
We are so saddened to hear of Cheryl's sudden passing. We will always remember in the early days of karate Cheryl bringing Bradley to class and toting "baby" Nicolette in her carrier... Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Brad and family, "Death is sad enough when anticipated, but even worse when unexpected." So very sorry for you sudden loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joyce, Cody & Jesse Cermak
Nikki, we are so saddened for your loss. We know your warm memories will be with you forever.
Jimenez Family made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
Cheryl you will be forever in our hearts we love you.
Brian Strauss, Rennie LeDuc, Arielle, Jared & Talia Strauss made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We offer our sincere condolences to Dr. Sandor's family and her colleagues. May her memory be a blessing.
John Kukucka made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
To Cheryl's family, father Louis, and brother Barry - I am so sorry for your loss of such a talented and intelligent woman. Besides her family, she will be sorely missed by her patients and our profession. May God bless all of you at this most difficult time.
Dr. and Mrs. Bethencourt made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.
DAVID, KELLIE AND PPM made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
During this difficult time, we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Friends at Vollers Excavating & Construction, Inc. made a donation to Hope Lutheran Church
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sandor family at this most difficult time... from your friends at Vollers. God Bless.