Cheryl Lee Behringer, who grew up in East Hampton and lived in Southampton and Charleston, S.C., died unexpectedly on March 19 in Charleston. The cause was an aortic aneurysm. She was 60.
An assistant teacher at the Children’s School in Southampton for more than 30 years, Ms. Behringer enjoyed being around children, her family wrote. She was an excellent artist and cook known for hosting large family dinners during holidays. She also enjoyed going to spin classes and the friendships that were born there.
She was born on March 22, 1962, at Southampton Hospital to John G. Collins and the former Pamela Colburn. She graduated from East Hampton High School before earning a certificate in commercial art from the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES.
She and Michael Behringer met in 1979. They were married on June 4, 1983, and settled in North Sea. The couple raised two children. The family took camping trips to the Virgin Islands and Tortola, and towed their camper to the ocean, where late-night bonfires were a specialty. Ms. Behringer dedicated her life to taking care of her family, watching her children grow into productive adults.
She and her husband retired in 2019, traveling and spending winters in Charleston. Friends and family relied on her to be a good listener and a woman of her word. She will be forever missed and remembered, her family wrote.
Ms. Behringer’s husband survives, as does their son Steven J. Behringer of Charleston. Her son Michael J. Behringer died in 2022. She leaves three grandchildren, Charlie, Will, and Savannah Behringer, who live in Peoria, Ill., with her daughter-in-law, Brynne Behringer.
A brother, Edward Collins, and a sister, Peri Grandone, both of Florida, also survive, as does her stepmother, Nancy Collins of East Hampton, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A stepsister, Kelly Mattmuller, died before her.
Visiting hours were held on March 31 at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton, with a memorial service the following day, the Rev. Richard King officiating.
Her family has suggested memorial donations to the Behringer Education Fund, with checks made out to Charles Schwab & Co and sent to David Vaughan Investments L.L.C., 5823 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria, Ill. 61614-3500. Donors have been asked to note “Behringer Education Fund” on the memo line.
