Obituary of Cheyenne Dawn O'Dowd

Cheyenne O'Dowd – affectionately known as Giggles – passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2024 at her home in Morgantown, WV at the age of 29. She was born January 16, 1995 at her home in Archbald, PA to her parents Bob and Carolyn O'Dowd. Cheyenne is survived by her loving parents, her older sister Kayla O'Dowd, her adopted brothers Chris and Matt Hartzell, her grandmother Marge Hartzell, her lifelong partner Ryan Cerulli, her exchange sister Anna Sousa, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who deeply mourn her passing. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Robert Hartzell, James and Beverly O'Dowd, and her aunt Susan Hartzell. She attended Valley View School District where she was a member of the concert and marching band, chorus, and Japanese club, among many others. She also tried her hand at basketball, soccer, and swimming – which anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Cheyenne could tell you that sports just were not her thing. Her true love was found in books, renaissance fairs, animals, anime, and sewing. She was in dance from the age of 3, a member of the Girl Scouts, and later joined the NEPA Boy Scouts Venturing Crew. Then, as a shock to everyone, at the end of her junior year she became an ambassador in the Rotary Club. This program brought her to Colombia where she studied for her senior year of high school, creating many lifelong experiences and memories. Right before she left for Colombia, Cheyenne took an opportunity to enact a "reverse" senior prank. She wanted to spread love and kindness wherever she went, and wrote thousands of sticky notes that she posted on every locker in school with the saying "You are beautiful in your own little way…" – signed with her signature butterfly. In 2014, she moved from Archbald, PA to Morgantown, WV to become her aunt's caregiver who was battling cancer. Cheyenne then became a successful business owner of K.C. Uniforms in 2017. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Chey will be remembered for her shining light as a kind-hearted and strong-minded young woman who made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was taken far too young and will be always deeply loved and missed. A memorial will be determined at a later time by her family. In lieu of flowers, Cheyenne's family requests that donations be made to NEPA Pet Rescue at nepapetrescue.com. Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation and condolences can be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.