Cheri Semple Cusumano

cheri cusumano
Cheri Semple Cusumano, of McLean, VA, died suddenly on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from an automobile accident. Cheri is the loving and devoted wife of 22 years to Dr. Joseph Cusumano; cherished mother of Michael, John and Laura; daughter of James and Janet Semple of Oak Hill, WV; sister of Marcia Semple (Ron) Gattoni of VA, and Gregg (Kim) Semple of WV. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Zachary and Cassandra Semple of WV and James Peruzza of NY and Rachel Gattoni of MD; daughter in law of Katherine and the late Joseph Cusumano; sister in law of Kathleen Cusumano (Clint Allnach) and Jennifer Cusumano both of NY and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be offered to the Cheri S. Cusumano Foundation for Children, C/o Dr's. Cusumano and Stuver, 4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 135, Arlington, VA 22203 or visit cheriscusumanofoundationforchildren.org

Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

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Guestbook

  1. Sending prayers to the family – what a special person she was – havent seen Cheri since our WVU days at the Kappa house but will always remember her sweet smile and warm heart! So sorry for your loss.

  2. Dearest Joe…my sincere sympathy to you and the children. I am still in shock from hearing the news and am so sorry. I will always remember our being the first in the Elipse and building our businesses “across the hall” from one another. I still take pride in having arranged your Honeymoon! Cheri always greeted me with her very sweet smile and a sincere interest in my life after all these years. She was a charming and true lady and will be missed by so many. Saying “goodbye” is such a hard, hard thing to do. My prayers and thoughts will be with you through the difficult days ahead.

  3. To the Cusumano family, I saw Cheri on Monday for my regular cleaning. We joked that this was going on year 13 I’d been coming to see her. She always greeted me with a smile and left me with a hug. Our sessions might have run a little long sometimes because she’d ask me about my life and fill me in on hers. I always enjoyed hearing about your travel adventures. This time she talked about her trip to London with Laura. It only took one dental session with her to know how much love she had for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a tremendous loss.

  4. I have’nt seen Cheri since high school, but she contacted me a while back about going to our high school reunion. I sure wish i would have went now. I will always remember the smile she had, it was genuine…just like her.. just an all around genuine loving person. I will never forget you Cheri.

  5. After reading about the accident in the Patch, I prayed it was nobody we knew. When Sandy called me to tell me it was Cheri I was in shock. She was such a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Joe, God Bless you and your kids. You have a large cirle of friends to help you through this. I only wish I could be there to aid in the comfort. I will be praying for all of you to have the strength to get through this.

  6. Dr. Cusumano, family and staff, We both feel fortunate to have been Cheri’s patients. She always made us relaxed and happy to be in her care. We are grieving with you, and holding you all in prayer. May she be raised up on eagle’s wings and see the face of God.

  7. Joe,Michael,John and Laura We are so sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Cheri was always such a sweetheart at all the reunions we attended together, and it was obvious to all what a loving family you all are. Keep The Lord in your heart through this and he will help you make it through your sorrow

  8. I don’t have the words to express myself. The loss of Cheri is a loss of part of my world. She is a friend who will always be part of my life. Cheri,you made everything better, thank you for that and good bye. Bill Hannabass

  9. I am so saddened to hear about Cheri. She was my best friend all thru school. Such a sweet girl with a heart of gold. I know she will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. May God comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.

  10. To the Cusumano & Semple families… There are no words. I am blessed to count Cheri as my friend.We trip back though the years… college, high school, grade school and probably beyond. The Semples are as a family to me. So many memories. I send both families my love and support in this time. Cheri… I will miss you dear friend.

  11. To the Semple & Cusumano Family; My heart is saddened by Cheri’s tragic death. She was a dear friend to me during our high school years. Wherever Cheri was there was laughter and joy.My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God’s peace surround you in days ahead.

  12. It is with a heavy heart that I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to Cheri’s loved ones. I have many wonderful memories of Cheri from our high school days and past class reunions. I will always remember Cheri as a shining example of Christ’s love. Christ’s peace be with you, and may His promise of life everlasting provide you comfort and strength. May your many cherished memories and God’s gift of time help to heal your broken hearts.

  13. My Dear friend Cheri has brightened up many lives! I have had the pleasure of knowing her and her smiling face for over 25 years! Words can not express how I am feeling and send my deepest condolences to the Semple and Cusumano Families. Cheri , you will be truly missed

  14. I was deeply saddened to hear about Cheri. She was 1 yr. behind me in school, but I knew her, and what I remember the most about her was that she always, always had a smile. She never met a stranger, and was a joy to be around. Love you Cheri, you will be greatly missed. Praying for the family.

  15. My thoughts and prayers are with the families. Cheri was a year behind me in school but I remember her as always having a smile on her face. There will be another angel singing in the choir.

  16. Joe– It is with great pain in our hearts when we say that there will never be anyone, ever, like Cheri. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children as you go through this dreadful time in your lives….I would take some of that pain away if I could. I remember when you first came to work with Morabito and then Cheri came to the office. It was during a cleaning that Cheri told me about the pending marriage and what a super smile she had on her face. You two had, and still have, what so many other couples only dream about having. I have begun the Jewish tradition of a daily prayer for Cheri, which we say for 11 months, as we aid her on her journey home to G-d. Our hearts are with you, Myra and Sal

  17. My heart goes out to Cheri’s family….I know that this must shocking and heartbreaking for you. Cheri and I grew up together in South Hills of Oak Hill, WV. We walked to Jr. High School everyday together. She would come to my house after school and we would watch “Peyton Place”….LOL. When we were growing up, there was always “Kick the can” on summer nights with Jeanay, Robbie, Greg, Timmy, all the Suleskys, Greg Perry and Malcolm….so many fond memories. When I lived in Alexandria, I was blessed to be able to visit with Cheri a couple of times and relive some of our antics……again prayers and blessings on all of her family!

  18. So sorry to hear of your loss. I work at the beauty shop her mother use to go to (Studio One). Praying for your family. Vickie

  19. To the Cusumano and Semple Families, God has welcomed another angel into Heaven with Cheri’s passing. Cheri and I went to school together, she was a year behind me. She was such a happy, smiling person who brightened the days of everyone around her. She will be missed. To Mr. & Mrs. Semple, you are in the thoughts and prayers of all the library staff of Fayette County. May God keep you all in His embrace as you go through the next few days.

  20. My deepest sympathy to the Cusumano and Semple family. Cheri and I went to school together and have stayed in touch through the years. I have such wonderful memories of our antics together. Cheri lived life to the fullest and enjoyed everything she did. My heart is so saddened by her passing but I take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live forever. I pray for God’s grace and strength for her family during this tragic time. Love you Cheri.

  21. I was so sad to hear of Cheri’s passing, I grew up next door to Carla Harvey Arrington and was privileged to spend some wonderful times with Cheri in my younger years. Every time spent with her was a fun time, she always had her infectious smile on, she was such a warm a special person. The outpouring of grief here in Oak Hill among those of us that loved her is overwhelming. Please know that I as well as many others will be praying for the family in the coming days, weeks and months!

  22. My heart is broken for the Cusumano and Temple families. I am a longtime patient of Dr. Cusumano. I am so very sad for him and their children.

  23. We are shocked and stunned by the news of Cheri’s passing. Although we are so sad, God must have taken Cheri because her work here was done and done very well. She is with Him now. We are praying for Joe, Michael, John and Laura that you may hold God’s hand as He leads you through this difficult time. Please know we are all here to help. Love, Katie, Tim, Mary, Annie and Eizabeth Farrell

  24. We were shocked and saddened at the news of Cheri’s sudden death. She was such a warm and loving person. She made our children’s earliest visits to the dentist less of a scary trial. They are now grown but also pass on their condolences. Joe and I shared family news with Cheri and Joseph for more than 20 years. Our deepest sympathy to all your family on this loss.

  25. Dori and I were shocked to receive such unexpected and sad news this morning. Our thoughts are with Joseph and the family, and the wonderful practice he and Cheri served, as they try to make sense of this terrible tragedy. Our deep and heartfelt condolences. Larry Hugg Dori Kelner

  26. We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cheri lit up every room she ever walked into and now is doing the same in Heaven. Bless you all.

  27. Dear Joseph, We were so shocked and saddened when the news arrived. We are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  28. Joseph, How sad you must be…I know that these days will be difficult. Take comfort in the love of your family and friends who will support you through these times. I am happy that I got to spend time with Cheri last year at our cousins’ party in Boston. I will always remember her as the smiling, beautiful wife of my cousin Joseph.

  29. I’ve known Cheri since the 4th grade but haven’t seen her since our 20 year reunion. When I saw her she walked up smiled and gave me a big hug. She was a great lady and she will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.

  30. The first time I ever spoke to Cheri, John and Madeleine were in second grade at Saint Luke and John had asked Madeleine on a date to see The Backstreet Boys. How could we not fall in love with the Cusumano family right there and then? We did and that story remains a family favorite. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cheri brought a lot of love into this world and she will be missed. Julianne, Jim and the Bourne children

  31. Our deepest condolences. Such a tragic and shocking losss. Cheri was a warm and caring person. She made us smile. OUr thoughts and prayers are with her and all or you.

  32. Joe, Laura, Michael, John and Mr. and Mrs. Semple – your wife, mother and daughter was such a wonderful, vibrant individual and I will always remember her great smile, laugh and the many good times we had together in Charleston and DC. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  33. My Friend I love you my friend you’re so special to me you were there when I needed you And as an angel, always will be So thoughtful and understanding in all that you do has made me a better person just being with you There’s a lasting smile on your face which didn’t let us down and love in your heart which you spread around You’ve filled us with memories You’ve filled us with thoughts You’ve filled us with treasures Which will never be forgot I’ll treasure our moments that we’ve shared together You’ve touched our soul We’ll always remember by Debbie Halbritter

  34. My prayers to the family that you will receive peace in this loss of a great woman, friend, mother & wife. She will be remembered as the smiling, kind, loving friend to all of us who’ve known her since grade school. What a previlege to have had her in my life.

  35. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Cheri had touched my life in short bursts, running into her at DJO, but she always had kind words and a big smile. She was full of love and grace and will truly be missed by many.

  36. My heart goes out to all of the family. I went to high school with Cheri. I will always remember her outgoing personality, red devil spirit and love for people. Praying God will give you all the grace and comfort to endure this terrible loss.

  37. I can’t think of my childhood without thinking of Cheri. Kindergarten on! Birthday parties, school, band, Oak Hill Swim Club, dance, performing a skit together in our school production “Dudes & Danes”, visiting her at WVU. So many great memories and stories. I know everyone that she touched feels the same. My heart goes out to her family. I knew her as a daughter, sister and friend. She was great at those. I know that she had to have been an excellent mother and wife. We are all lucky to have had her in our lives and she will forever be in our hearts. Bye dear friend.

  38. I’ve been long time patient of Dr. Cusumano’s dental practice, and my heart just breaks with this news. My most sincere condolences & prayers of healing to Dr. Cusumano, his and Cheri’s growing children, and extended families, to include the entire dental office family.

  39. Joe and Cusumano and Semple family, I am so sorry about Cheri’s tragic accident. Please know that my family and I are praying for you guys. i can’t think of any great words to write, but i wanted all of you to know that we are thinking of Cheri and your family during this terrible time. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. kindly, Adam and Tracy Schwartz

  40. We are so heartbroken for your family. Cheri was such a warm and caring person. You will be in our prayers for a long, long time.

  41. We will miss our hygienist and Pilates instructor; but most importantly, we will miss our loving Friend. Our hearts go out to Joe and family.

  42. Laura, John and Michael – I have such happy memories of you 3 and your wonderful parents at SLS. Today I am filled with sadness at the loss of your Mom – I just saw her last week. She was her usual cheerful, sweet self. May the Good Lord grant you peace today and may you cherish all the memories of such a great Mother! Je vous aime.

  43. Cusumano family, It was a terrible shock to hear of the passing of your wife, mom. Though we only knew Cheri through baseball games at O’Connell, we instantly knew she was a very warm and thoughtful person. She always made sure to say hello and some kind words. Our son, Michael considers John,(Cus to us), as his best friend. When Michael graduated U.S. Marine boot camp, Cus was right there, in Parris Island, SC. to help him celebrate. That meant so much to Michael AND us. A better friend he could not ask for. He would always tell us how the Cusumano family accepted him into their home. He loved Cheri. He would call her mom. He is taking her passing very hard. We just wanted Cus, all of you, to know, we are very saddened today and will keep you in our prayers. May God watch over Cheri and keep her close. The Ferguson family.

  44. To the family, I met Cheri one year ago when I observed her Pilates class at Madison Community Center in Arlington, VA. She was a great teacher with a loyal following among Arlington seniors and County staff. Her classes were always full with a waiting list and for good reason. Cheri shared more than her knowledge of movement and exercise technique. She shared her warm and wonderful personality. People lingered after her class, reluctant to leave. Cheri was generous and kind to me—helping me get started as a new Pilates instructor. Once you met Cheri, you could not forget her. In the last conversation we had in May, she talked about how much she was looking forward to spending time with her children during the summer. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you find the strength to get through this tragedy.

  45. Dear John and Family, I am so sorry for your loss; I couldn’t even believe it when I heard. Your mom was always so nice. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

  46. I cannot put into words the shock and hurt I feel about losing Cheri. I remember her high school years and how happy she was. A very intelligent girl. My love and prayers go to each of you–Cheri’s husband and children, Jim and Janet Semple,(Cheri’s parents), brother and sister and each member of her family. Love and prayers

  47. Dear Cusumano and Semple Family, We have only had the pleasure of knowing Michaelas he is our granddaughter Victorias DJO classmate and dear friend. His outgoingconfidentand warm personalityhas to be a reflection of his parents traitsand from what I have read heremost especially his Mothers. We expect his brother and sister are also like himand we are so very sorry that each of youhas to bear such a tragic lossat this time in your young lives. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathyin the loss of your wife, mother, daughter and sister. We know there are no real words of comfortno matter how well-intentioned people areso just take one day at a timeas you grieveand remember that somedayyou all will be reunited again. May God reward your loved one…for all her loving, kind and caring deeds…as she rests in His Eternal Peace…and Perpetual Light. With Our Prayers… (Victoria Gulley’s grandparents)

  48. Joe, we are out if the country or we would be at the services to say in person how sorry we are that this terrible tragedy has struck you and your family . We knew Cheri for more than 20 years as Lynne’s hygienist and your wife. Our hearts and prayers will be with you Lynne and Rick Hays

  49. Dear Joe. Janet and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember fondly the great time we all had in Italy together. You and your family will be in our prayers. Gordon and Janet Green

  50. THE TIDE The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.

  51. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. TRUST THE LORD TO HELP YOU AT THIS TIME IN YOUR LIFE. I REMEMBER HER WHEN SHE WAS GROWING UP. RUTH BYRD FORMERLY OF OAK HILL, WV. NOW LIVING IN FL.

  52. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. Please keep in mind the comfort that God offers when we face any kind of distress. Also, he is a refuge and strength for us, a help that is readily to be found during difficult times (Psalm 46:1). As you endure the days ahead, may God give you peace and comfort.

  53. We knew Cheri as our neighbor,hygienist,and friend. We will always remember Cheri full of energy and her West Virginia twang. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  54. Cheri will be missed by everyone. Her smile and laugh lit up a room. My heart goes out to Joe and the children. She was a great mother, wife and friend. My thougths and prayers are with all of you. Tony

  55. Dear Joe and the entire Family, There is nothing that can be said other than god must have needed Cheri now. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless Cheri and god bless you all. Ed and Anne Romano

  56. Dear Joe, Michael, John and Laura, The shock just doesn’t subside. To lose such a loving wife, mother and woman in such a sudden tragedy has to be unbearable. I have been and will continue to pray for God to give you all the strength you need to get through this horrific time. I remember as yesterday Cheri coming to work at Morabito and Cusumano, and the budding love that led to your marriage and three outstanding children whom Cheri was so proud of each time I saw her. She loved you all dearly, and still does, but now with God. With both Love and Sorrow, Stan

  57. Words can not express our sorrow for Cheri’s family and friends. From the day she walked into our dental office in 1982 and asked for her first hygiene job, we loved Cheri. We hired her on the spot and she immediately lit up the office with her charm, wit, smile and talent. We recently had a wonderful time reconnecting at the WVU Reunion last Spring. May God grant unto you all his peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  58. My heart aches for each family and friend. Cheri was loved by all who remembered her warm smile and giving spirit. She will always be remembered as one of Oak Hill’s finest. May God bless you with His love through this difficult time.

  59. It is with great sadness that we write this note. Please know that we love you Joe and the entire Cusumano family. We have and will continue to think about you everyday. Love always, Anne and Travis Patterson

  60. We are shocked and sadden upon hearing the news of Cheri’s passing. We pray that her soul is at peace with our Lord and that her family find strength in her everlasting memory.

  61. Dearest Joe, Michael, John, Laura and members of the Semple and Cusumano families, We were all devastated by the news of Cheri’s tragic passing. We were so happy when she came into Joe’s life for she brought such joy and exuberance. Cheri could light up a room with her smile and sincerity.To all of you, the greatest testament of her life that you can give, is to carry on with the lessons she shared without knowing it. She leaves a legacy of love for each of you. May the memories of your happy times together sustain you. We know that God walks with you and He will carry you in your darkest days. Be assured of our continued prayers. With love, Fran Entwistle and family.

  62. Dear Joe and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Cheri was one of my first friends that I had at college. She was one of a kind. She was a Great Girl! My thoughts are with all of you. Diane Aiello

  63. I went to high school with Cheri. She was a great person. May the Lord comfort your family through the days ahead. May you find peace knowing that one day you will be together in your heavenly home. God bless.

  64. Very shocking to hear the news. I pray that Sheri’s whole family will find peace during this extremely tough loss. Sheri was one of the most pleasant people I have ever worked with. RIP sweet Cheri. Heaven is even a better place now with you in it.

  65. Dear Dr. Cusumano, Please know that the entire Silva family is thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. We are most certainly there for you and your family in any way we can possibly be of assistance. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you.

  66. Dear Dr Cusumano, I was saddened to hear of the news about Cheri. My heart is breaking for you and your family and everyone at the office. Please know that you all are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Regards, Johanna

  67. Dr. Cusamano: We are deeply saddened for your loss and remember Cheri for the vibrant and compassionate person she was. She always helped to brighten our day as we faced our challenging cases. We will remember her in our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

  68. So sorry to hear about my dear friend, Cheri. I went to college with her and I”ll never ever forget her beautiful smile and precious laugh. May God Bless all of you! Love, Zivia Kocher Columbia, SC

  69. Dear Joe, Laura, John and Michael We’ve been trying for days to put into words the feelings of sorrow and love. The sorrow that is unrelenting and the love we experienced because Cheri was in our lives. But we find ourselves incapable of conveying to you a message that sums up these feelings. We won’t be there as we are thousands of miles away. Just know we are thinking of you and send you our prayers and love. The one thing we can say with certainty is that she is resting in the love of God’s embrace.

  70. Dear Dr. Cusumano and Family, Bradley and I were deeply saddened to hear of Cheri’s passing. Bradley saw her for many years as his dental hygienist. I thought she was terrific as well. She had that gentle touch.Both of us felt we developed a friendship with her too. Her bright smile, spunky personality,warmth, and true caring spirit will be greatly missed. You have our deepest sympathy. With Prayers, Barb and Bradley Lamkin

  71. I was shocked to learn about the Cheri’s sudden and tragic death. I remember the whole family during church services at St. Luke. Cheri always had a friendly smile and hug to share. May you know that your entire family is in my thoughts and in my prayers. May God Bless and keep you all strong during this most difficult time. Fondly Rose Kobylinski

  72. Dear Joe and family, We were totally shocked and saddened to hear about Cheri. Words are just not enough to express our feelings. We will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Bea Boesch

  73. Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to your family. I have not seen Cheri in years, since our sorority days at WVU. I remember Cheri’s sweet southern accent, kind and friendly personality and her going out of her way to make new members feel welcome at at ease. I pray for God’s peace and healing for your family. God Bless you, Cindy

  74. Dear Joseph, Richie and I were so shocked to hear of this tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this most sorrowful time. We are so happy that we were blessed to be able to spend time with you and Cheri and Laura this past winter in Miami. We will think of her with fondness and will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you. Love, Cousins Angela and Richie

  75. Dear cusumano family i was in shock about the new i am deeply sorry for your lost she was a great and loving person and always helped in St.luke and i will always remember her may god keep you strong through these hard time and may god bless you.

  76. Mrs. Cusumano was truly a special person. She will be sorely missed. To the Cusumano family I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in fond memories of her. God bless you.

  77. Dr. Cusumano and Family, It was with great sadness that we saw that your family lost Cheri to a tragic accident. Seeing her at the office always smiling and being so kind was such a nice perk of getting a dental check-up! She was the main reason I got my braces! All of us in the Risney family extend our heartfelt sympathy to your family.

  78. Our deepest sympathies for the entire Cusumano family and for your colleagues and friends. We can honestly say that the Cusumano dental office was the most fun to visit of any we’ve ever known, and we know that Cheri was the key! Your hearts must be broken, and we can only wish peace for you in this terrible time. Ken and Anne Mathias Arlington VA

  79. Dear Joe: Brian and I were shocked and saddened to hear about Cheri. We always looked forward to Paragon meetings when we knew you would be there. I personally loved having someone that I could count on being on the dance floor with me since I knew she loved to dance as much as I do I cannot even imagine the pain you and your children are going through right now. I pray that you will be comforted by the wonderful memories you have had. I know she was a devoted mother, a wonderful wife and a great Hygienist. May God bless you and comfort you at this difficult time. Love, Brian and Maria Swedberg

  80. Dear Joe, Michael, John, Laura and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. We will miss her. Tim and Margaret

  81. Cheri was a complete and wonderful person back at WVU. Her family was first to her and she was a dedicated wife and mother. May God Bless and comfort her family and friends.

  82. I’ve never met a nicer, more caring and compassionate person than my cousin Cheri. I pray for the rest of my family as they cope during this traumatic time in their lives. I wiah I could be there to comfort them, but they are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, cousin Cheri, for you are with with angels now. I love you.

  83. Joe, I was deeply saddened to hear that Cheri had passed away. God bless your family in this difficult time.

  84. My condolences to the Cusumano family. Cheri’s sons, Michael and John, played on the Little League team that we sponsor. Paul Shiffman, our coach, told me that Cheri was always supportive of the team and that the boys were a fine example of the values of the Cusumano family. I will be remembering her in my prayers. We will be making a contribution to McLean Little League in her honor. Sincerely, Jerry FitzGerald

  85. Cheri was my roommate our sophmore year in college at WVU. She was a bright light and always full of joy. Although we did not stay in touch after graduation, I often thought about her and wondered how she was and what she was doing. She will be greatly missed. I will cherish my memories of her and our time together at WVU.


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