‘Always there for us’: Ron Barassi’s widow dies peacefully at home

Cherryl Barassi, the beloved wife of late AFL legend Ron Barassi, has been remembered as an “intelligent, straight-talking woman”.

Cherryl and Ron Barassi on the beach in their ‘beloved’ St Kilda.

Cherryl Barassi, widow of AFL legend Ron Barassi, has died, aged 80.

Mrs Barassi passed away peacefully at her home “in her beloved St Kilda” on Tuesday, according to a statement issued on behalf of her family.

“It is with deep sadness that the Barassi family announces the passing of Cherryl Barassi (nee Copeland) on Tuesday, 9 December, 2025,” the statement said.

Cherryl Barassi has died peacefully at home.

“Cherryl was an accomplished artist and fine writer.

“An animal lover and passionate environmentalist, she was a tireless and vocal supporter of many social justice causes to make the world a kinder, better place.

“The family requests privacy during this time.”

Mrs Barassi’s stepson Ron said: “I was blessed with the best stepmother a stepchild could wish for. A funny, generous, intelligent, straight-talking woman, who was always there for us.”

Former radio host Neil Mitchell paid tribute to his “bright, pugnacious” friend.

“(She) had the kindest heart hidden behind that argumentative exterior,” he said.

“She was enormously perceptive and enormously good company. Coffee with Cherryl was entertainment that should have carried a fee.”

Mrs Barassi’s deaths comes two years after the AFL legend’s passing.

Mitchell said Ron and Cherryl’s love story was proof that opposites attract.

“When they first met she was possibly the only person in Australia who did not know who he was. But he looked good wearing shorts on a tennis court.

“As she once said to me looking at a photo of Ron stripped for tennis: ‘this is what got us into this mess…’

“She leaned left, he did not. They both had a passion for fairness and social justice.”

Mitchell said while he would miss “the texts, the laughs, the animal videos and being told so convincingly that I am totally wrong”, Cheryll “wouldn’t want us to be sad”.

“She lived a fascinating and busy life and added enormously to the lives of those that knew her well,” he said.

The pair were proof that opposites attract.

Mrs Barassi had battled deteriorating health issues for several years after suffering nerve damage in her neck that affected her speech and digestion.

Speaking candidly last year, she said she had attempted to take her own life by overdosing on medication but had been saved by a friend.

She openly spoke of her wish to die, saying: “I’m not depressed, I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

“My family and my husband have all been absolutely onside with the principles of dying with dignity,” she said.

“I’m not recommending euthanasia; I’m just saying I want people to have freedom of choice.”

Mrs Barassi’s death comes two years after her husband of 50 years Ronald Dale Barassi passed away, aged 87.

He was farewelled in a state funeral at the MCG attended by more than 5000 people.

Originally published as ‘Always there for us’: Ron Barassi’s widow dies peacefully at home