Cherryl Barassi, the widow of AFL legend Ron Barassi, passed away peacefully at her home in St Kilda on December 9, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was 80 years old. Her death was confirmed by her family. They underscored her wish to die in the same peace her cherished home provided her with vigor.
Cherryl Barassi had been battling serious health problems for several years. Her challenges stemmed from things like treatable complications from a whiplash injury that severed several nerves. She deeply avoided the public eye and was famously reclusive. Cherryl usually preferred to keep out of the media limelight. As the handsome husband often basked in the glory of the footy limelight, she shied away from the gaudy galas which accompanied it.
In recent years, Cherryl openly discussed her struggles with quality of life, stating, “I’ve had a look at my future and I don’t like it.” She expressed feelings of exhaustion from her ongoing health battles, saying, “I’m not depressed, I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Once, tragically, she attempted suicide by overdosing on pills. Luckily, her best friend got to her just in time to save her life.
In private Cherryl’s family recalled her as warm and adoring, a devoted partner and stepmother. Ron Barassi’s stepson described her as “a funny, generous, intelligent, straight-talking woman, who was always there for us.” He emphasized their deep bond and affection, stating that she was “blessed with the best stepmother a stepchild could wish for.”
The Barassi family shared a moving personal statement providing insight into Cherryl’s impact on the world beyond her home. In addition to recognizing her work as an artist and writer, they took special notice of her passion for social justice causes. The family described her as “an animal lover and passionate environmentalist,” who continually advocated for a kinder world.
Cherryl’s ultimate ambition for Victoria is for it to be “the world’s best practice.” This is a testament to her commitment to go above and beyond to create positive change in her community. In reflecting on her values regarding dignity in life and death, she stated, “My family and my husband have all been absolutely onside with the principles of dying with dignity.”
Sadly, Ron Barassi passed away earlier this month from complications of a fall, but his contributions to Australian football, as the game is called there today, live on. His state funeral at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) celebrated his extraordinary life and playing career.
