Aida Luz Caraballo, better known as Cherry, passed away peacefully at home in Amherst on Saturday July 16th. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on May 7, 1936, Cherry spent her childhood between Puerto Rico and New York. As the oldest of four, she helped care for her younger sisters Blanca, Mercedes and Zoraida, and was a maternal figure to many throughout her life. 

Cherry moved her family to Puerto Rico in 1968. Prior to the move she was the quintessential stay at home mom for her children, Bobby, Debbie and Frank.  Upon arriving to Puerto Rico, she joined the workforce to ensure that her children could attend the best of schools.  She often worked two jobs.  Her strong work ethic, warm personality and natural leadership led to a variety of jobs and business endeavors in which she was warmly regarded and excelled.   

Her favorite job came in 1992, after retiring from her position as office manager for Black Hawk Shipping.  She relocated to MA to be close to her children Frank and Debbie and help care for her grandchildren.  She alternated her time helping to care for Laura, Miguel, Carlos and Armando during the week and Carol Anne and Bobby during weekends and summers.  

Cherry will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, fiercely independent spirit, delicious home-cooked meals, sense of humor, and penchant for keeping a spotless home. But most of all, she’ll be remembered for her unconditional love and support of her entire family, her friends and neighbors and the joy she brought to their lives.

A Celebration of Cherry’s life will be held on August 12, 2022 at 3 PM at the First Baptist Church of Amherst,

434 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com