Watch Cheryl's Private Service

Cheryl LaFriniere, age 56, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN.

Cheryl Lynn Azure, the daughter of Charles "Ben" and Delores (Hazbrook) Azure, was born on September 10, 1963, in Minneapolis, MN.  In her younger years, the family moved to the Roy Lake, MN, area where she was raised.  As a young single mother with her daughter, Sheena, Cheryl was employed at a few different jobs but enjoyed working in customer service the best.  She met and married Bruce LaFriniere and together they raised three children: Sheena, Shauna, and Jonathan.  For many years, Cheryl was employed as a waitress at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen where she loved interacting with people.  Cheryl especially enjoyed sharing a smile and making people laugh.  For over forty years, Cheryl had an ongoing friendship with Bert LaFriniere, who later in life, became her closest companion.  She spent most of her time with family and cherished each of her 12 grandchildren. She had a special bond with her grandson, Cameron, whom she helped raise, and Jazmine who was her "sweet pea lovebug."  In her spare time, Cheryl liked to go to the casino and play Keno with friends and family.

She is survived by two daughters, Sheena (Kristofer) Azure of Fargo, ND, and Shauna (Shaun) LaFriniere of Naytahwaush, MN; 12 grandchildren; lifelong friend, Bert LaFriniere of Mahnomen, and several nieces and nephews.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Charles "Ben" and Delores Azure; son, Jonathan LaFriniere; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Time of Gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church, Naytahwaush, MN from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with Prayers beginning at 2:00 p.m.

We strongly encourage social distancing and additional precautionary measures to protect the family, other guests and staff. The service will be recorded and viewable on our website at a later time.