Dr. Cheryl Welch-Muller of Mahwah, died of an aggressive cancer on Wednesday at the age of 45. She leaves her 4 young children; Brigette 13, Jack 13, Kyra 10, and Reese 7, to be nurtured by her husband, Donald Muller, and immediate family members. 

She is also survived by her parents; Joe and Joan Welch from Franklin Lakes, her brother Michael, 47, from Ringwood, NJ, and her in-laws; Marilyn and Don Muller from Mahwah, NJ. 

Dr. Welch was the founder and sole owner of the Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital. She graduated from Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, and attended Cornell University before receiving her Veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation she returned to New Jersey to complete an Internship at Oradell Animal Hospital.

She was a member of the Mahwah Board of Health, and served on the Boards of several charitable organizations. She and staff members volunteered medical support to Katrina animal victims, and Friends of Animals rescue missions, in Utah. 

Cheryl completed the New York City Marathon in November 2010, and was skiing in the Adirondacks on Dec. 30, when she developed multiple symptoms, that were diagnosed as extensive brain metastasis, on Jan 4, 2011.

Prior to her death she was able to travel to Universal Studios Entertainment Park in Florida with her children, thanks to the support of many people. 

Visiting hours will be Sunday 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff.  A memorial service will be held at noon Tuesday at Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church, 422 Cedar Hill Ave., Wyckoff. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to “The Critter Fund” c/o The Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital, Franklin Square, 754 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417; The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, or other animal rescue charity of your choice.