Jeanette B. Cheung

Jeanette B. Cheung, 56, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Viera Hospital after a courageous 12‑year hard‑fought battle with breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2013. A devoted wife, mother, and friend, she touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Jeanette came to the United States in 1981, settling with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was the fourth of five children and grew up surrounded by the love and bonds of a close‑knit family. In May 1996, she married Adrian Cheung, an active‑duty member of the U.S. Navy, and for the next 29 years poured her heart into creating a loving and supportive home. She was the proud mother of Anthony, born in 2000 in Jacksonville, Florida, and Kaylee, born in 2004 in San Jose, California. Alongside her pride in her children, Jeanette treasured the milestone of becoming a citizen of the United States — a reflection of her deep love and gratitude for the country she called home. Her greatest joy and fulfillment came from caring for her family and being the steady foundation that uplifted and encouraged them through every stage of their lives.

Jeanette began her federal service career in 1997 as a front desk clerk at the Navy Lodge in Mayport, Florida, where her warm smile, gracious demeanor, and exceptional service quickly endeared her to guests and colleagues. She left that position in April 2000 to focus fully on motherhood after Anthony’s birth. Following Adrian’s retirement from active duty in 2010, she returned to hospitality in 2018 as an Air Force civilian employee, serving as a front desk customer service representative at the Space Coast Inn Lodging on Patrick Space Force Base. In this role, she earned a reputation for professionalism, heartfelt kindness, and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure guests felt welcome and colleagues supported. Even during the COVID‑19 pandemic — when most stayed home — Jeanette remained at the lodge, committed to serving guests and essential personnel with steadfast dedication.

Jeanette’s fight against breast cancer began in 2013, when a routine annual mammogram revealed a small growth in her left breast that was initially believed to be benign by her medical team. Months later, she underwent a double mastectomy surgery as the tumor grew with fierce intensity and it resulted in her initial Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. In 2016, the disease metastasized to her skull, advancing her diagnosis to Stage 4. She underwent a craniotomy surgery to remove the tumor, and despite further surgeries, the cancer continued to spread to her spine, ribs, hips, limbs, neck, and skull.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, she was taken to the Emergency Department at Viera Hospital after she experienced severe fatigue and breathing difficulties. She was then admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where she spent 21 days — 18 of them on a ventilator. In the end, her lungs could no longer provide enough oxygen to sustain her body due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, a condition caused by atypical growth of cancerous cells that had finally attacked her lungs. Throughout every stage of her illness, she faced each challenge with remarkable courage and grace, and in her final moments, she was comforted by the loving presence of her family.

Those who knew Jeanette remember her as one of the strongest and most resilient people they had ever met. She endured unrelenting pain, difficulty walking, significant weight loss, and countless medical hardships without ever losing her spirit, determination, or love for her family. She was — and will remain — a true example of bravery.

Jeanette is survived by her husband Adrian, her children Anthony and Kaylee, and a loving network of extended family and friends — many of whom essentially became family — who will forever cherish her memory.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida. Visitation and Vigil will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care, 1001 Hickory Street, Melbourne, Florida.

Jeanette’s life was a testament to strength, faith, and unwavering love — qualities that will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. May her memory be eternal and her soul find peace in God’s embrace.