Cherry Collins Provost

Cherry Collins Provost, 92, died peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Born in California and raised in Montclair, NJ, Mrs. Provost graduated from Pembroke College at Brown University in 1955. After college, she worked in the New York City garment district, applying skills from courses she took at the Rhode Island School of Design while at Brown. In 1957, she married Lloyd Provost Jr., and together they moved to Glen Ridge, NJ, where she made her home for the next 68 years. After the birth of her children, she stepped away from her professional career to devote herself to raising her family and volunteering in her community.

Throughout her decades in the Glen Ridge–Montclair area, Cherry was an active and dedicated member of numerous local organizations, often serving in leadership roles or on essential committees. Her service included the Montclair Adult School, Family and Children Services of Montclair and Glen Ridge, the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, the Glen Ridge Board of Education, the Glen Ridge Historical Society, the Glen Ridge Civic Conference Committee, the Montclair Golf Club, the Board of Trustees of the Montclair Art Museum, the Board of Trustees of Bloomfield College, the Board of Governors of the National Arts Club in New York and the Glen Ridge South End Association, which honored her with the planting of a cherry tree at the center of town.

She was the granddaughter of Joseph P. Alyea, an early member of the Yankee Lake Company circa 1910. Through Cherry, the love of Yankee Lake was passed down and cherished across five generations—from her grandfather to her grandchildren—making the lake a lasting place of family, memory, and tradition.

Cherry was married for 51 years to her husband Lloyd, who predeceased her. She is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Gary & Yvonne, Andy & Joanna, and Alden & Ava, as well as eight grandchildren.

Cherry will be remembered for her fierce intellect, unwavering convictions, unconditional love of family, and deep devotion to her community. Her legacy of service and strength will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Glen Ridge Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ, on Sunday, February 15 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad, 3 Herman Street, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028.

To send an online condolence, please visit: https://www.vantasselfuneralhome.com/obituaries/cherry-provost/