Cheri Lynn Coffey
April 30, 1967 - February 21, 2018
In Loving Memory
Cheri, it is difficult to express how much you meant to me. You were part of my life for over 50 years and with me for every important life event. You were there when I met Randy and present when my kids were born. We traveled together, went to "book club" together and celebrated family events together. We were also together for not so happy events: the endless ER visits, your chemotherapy treatments, my recovery after my accident and Peter's diabetes diagnosis. You and I could talk about anything and everything. Whatever the event, whether joyful or sad, you always knew just what to say to make it better.
We talked several times about how grateful we were to Mom and Dad for the values they raised us with. They taught us to treat people fairly, regardless of who they were or what their situation was. When you friend Mary wrote about your "equity gene" it made me smile. I liked that you treated all people the same. You didn't care if someone was rich or poor, young or old. You just didn't let people get away with saying or doing hurtful things to people just because they were different from them. I watched you confront people when they made racist or sexist remarks. You were brave in that way and I admired that. You knew it would be uncomfortable but you stood up for what you thought was right anyway.
I wish there was another word besides aunt to describe your relationship with my kids. Some people have aunts they barely know and maybe see a couple of times a year. You were there for all of the important and unimportant events in my kids' lives. You helped Randy and I raise our kids and we are so very grateful for that. You loved and adored them and they always knew you were there for them. I think about all of the sweet things you did for them: taking them with you to deliver food boxes to seniors and shopping for items to donated to the Candy Cane Corner. You bought them beautiful, thoughtful ornaments each year that were relevant to their lives. You decorated our front yard for their birthdays so when they woke up and looked out the window they had a wonderful surprise. You also taught my kids to be strong and brave and that it is good to be smart. You were the first employer of all of my children. Thank you for letting them mow your lawn and help you with household chores. Thanks for being patient with them as they figured out who they were. Thanks for loving them unconditionally. Thanks for sharing your life with us. You made our lives better. The only comfort I get as I try to deal with your loss is to know that you are alive in each of my children and that as they move forward in their own lives, they have your example of how to live a life with perseverance, strength and compassion.
Chris Schafer
salt lake city, UT
Cheri was one of the most fun, bad ass ladies I know. I loved getting to wander around Boston with her and her family when they came out for Erin's 21st. We dragged her all around the Boson Harbor and The North End. Although she probably did not love the massive amounts of walking, she never complained once and had a blast just being out there with her sister and niece. One of the things I loved most about Cheri was her sass and blunt honesty. She would always speak her mind and let you know exactly what she was thinking. She had the most amazing laugh, and I loved getting to chat with her at all the Schafer/Coffee family gatherings. It is so clear how much she loved her family, and has impacted each of them immensely. I am so grateful I was able to know her; I am grateful for her impact, not only through our interactions, but also through how she has impacted and shaped my closest and dearest friend Sarah.
MacKenzie Mitchell
somerville, MA
Cheri was always so kind and cheerful. She was very devoted to family. Her cute laugh always brightened the room. She will me missed!
Cheryl Iversen
manteca, CA
Cheri was one of my first friends when I moved here twenty years ago and worked at city hall. Here laugh was amazing and her smile even more so. I had arm licking pleasures babysitting Abby a couple times. And even epic game night in Torrey with Cheri and a few other coworkers. Cheri taught me so much, made me laugh, shared laughs and introduced me to amazing people like her cousin Mike and Niece Sara. Thank you Cheri for being such a kind soul,gentle spirit and for trying to let me win games that I clearly stink at playing. You are always remembered, never forgotten and your laugh will forever ring loudly.
Jacob brace
salt lake city,
Anyone who knew my aunt knows that she is impossible to describe in just a few words. She was always practical and logical, and would be upset that I have had a hard time getting my school work done on her account. But on the other hand, she was so fun-loving, and knew every show-tune there was to know. She was so full of sass, but at the same time so full of love.
I know she wanted the world for me, figuratively and literally. she took me to NYC with my grandparencts, and for my high school graduation she told me to pick a city for us to explore. We went to San Francisco, where she got me my very first beer at a restaurant, which she promptly spilled all over me. I loved that trip with her, just the two of us exploring together. I know she must have been in pain walking those steep streets, but she never complained, she was just so excited to show me this new place.
Cheri was more than an aunt for my siblings and I, she was really just a fun loving extension of my parents. She was there for every big moment of my life, but also all of the little ones. I was with Cheri in Bryce when I got my first period. I was mortified, but Cheri was so excited she skipped down the hallway at Ruby's Inn. She knew exactly what to do and how to make me feel better. She was also there for every big occasion, normally planned out months in advance. For my high school graduation she made me a book about my life full of limericks, and she had already planned her trip for my upcoming graduation, eight months in advance.
Cheri was a fiercely loving, strong, snarky, and compassionate aunt. Thank you for showing me true strength and dedication, and for loving us so much. I miss you already.
Sarah Schafer
somerville, MA
Cheir wasn't just my aunt. She was my role model. She made me who I am today. She was strong, supportive, and kind. She used to come to my soccer games, even if it was freezing cold, to support me. Even when she was sick or just didn't feel well she would come. She was tough. Even with everything she would be going through, she would send me letters when something cool or significant happened in my life or on holidays. In fact, the last time I saw Cheri was on Valentine's Day when she brought me and my little brother Valentine's Day candy and cards. She dropped everything for family and was always around when I needed her. She was an amazing person and I strive to be just as caring as she was everyday.
Sydney Schafer
salt lake city, UT
Cheri has been a close friend and co-worker of mine for a long time. We started working with the Salt Lake City Planning division at about the same time and worked closely on many programs and projects through the years. Cheri was a very effective leader, a great mentor and kind and compassionate person. Cheri cared deeply about her community had had a strong beliefs about provide service and helping others.
I will deeply miss but never forget Cheri's friendship, her wonderful smile and her laughter.
I extend my condolences to Cheri's family and all who knew her. Cheri was a great person who will be deeply missed.
Joel Paterson
salt lake city, UT
Cheri was assigned to help me with my Salt Lake City Planning internship through the University of Utah. She was always so kind and supportive and I couldn't have made the progress I did without her help. She was one of the people that I considered to be instrumental in shaping my career. I will miss her dedication and support.
Alana Spendlove
salt lake city, UT
I had the pleasure of working with Cheri for the last 4 years and she's one of the most amazing people I have ever known. I remember a particularly stressful meeting Cheri accompanied me to and right before we went in she said, "I know you won't fall, but I'm here to catch you if you do." I always remembered that and it meant a lot to me to have such genuine encouragement and support--she was a true mentor. Cheri's laughter was contagious and her witty sense of humor was unmatched. She was selfless and compassionate beyond imagination. I could talk to Cheri about anything and I will miss her leadership. My deepest condolences to her family and all those that knew her, she will be greatly missed.
Amy Thompson
salt lake city , UT
She liked to attend the concerts at Red Butte Garden. One warm summer evening, a bunch of us were sitting out on the grass under the stars, I think Michael Franti was playing. We'd had good food and probably some beer. Cheri decided to go down in front and dance with Michael. She was so happy then - I'll remember her whenever we're at the summer concerts.
Joni Moerman
murray, UT
I worked with Cheri in Salt Lake City. She was always the consummate professional. I never heard her complain about her circumstances. Instead she reached out to others with her kindness and gentle ways. The City is a better place because of her dedicated work....
George Shaw
saratoga springs, UT
Cheri,
I am so sad to be one of your last hires at the Planning Division, because my time getting to know and learn from you was so limited. Thanks for always being so kind and encouraging to me, it really means a lot when you're new and feel like you have no clue what you're doing! I hope you are happy and feeling strong where you are now, but so many miss you down here.
P.S. I'm sorry that I took the note that said "for consumption after work hours" off the rum balls at Christmas and put it on the candy canes instead.
Ashley
Ashley Scarff
salt lake city, UT
I like many others am going to miss Cheri terribly. She was a great boss when I was in Planning and I was excited to work with her again on engagement the past couple of years. She was always serious about her work but knew when to throw in a zinger or small joke to lighten the mood. I'll remember her kindheartedness to children and dogs. Good Dog, Carl and Carl's Afternoon in the Park are household favorites of ours thanks to Cheri.
Elizabeth Buehler
salt lake city, UT
Cheri was an amazing woman. Always kind, compassionate,strong and thoughtful. Her joy of life was infectious. I will miss her spit fire attitude, sass, spunk, quick wit, her ability to sing jingles, spout trivia facts and how she intentionally would mispronounce my name. I will miss her dearly. I love you Cheri.
Tonja Meadows
holladay, UT
I cannot imagine the loss felt by the Coffey family after Cheri's passing. I extend my deepest sympathies. Cheri was my boss (8 years) and I also considered her a great friend. She was a true mentor, supporter of women, problem solver and a calming sounding board when the wacky world of politics shakes you up. She had a brilliant mind and a fantastic sense of humor. When something funny or bizarre happened I always went to her to share the story and make her laugh. She had a little ledge by her desk and I enjoyed grabbing my coffee in the morning and sitting on the ledge to discuss the upcoming week or to just chat about life. She was small in stature but mighty in personality. A truly gracious person to whom I owe so much. She always invested her time in others and was a true teacher and nurturer. I miss her dearly, especially that laugh and her hilarious texts!! Rest if peace sweet lady, you left this world a better place.
Michaela Oktay
salt lake city, UT
Cheri was the first person I met at Salt Lake City Planning and my introduction to the city. I will always remember her as a kind and caring person who was on top of every detail. She truly was a master planner --able to craft policy, navigate the city processes, and engage the people. She had such dedication to her work. I really admired her and will miss her leadership.
I will also miss all the delicious treats she shared at the holidays. She kept many sweet teeth satisfied.
Molly Robinson
salt lake city, UT
Cheri was a wonderful woman who added inspiration to every life she touched. Some of the happiest moments in my life were spent with Cheri – she had a way of brightening up a room with her laugh and that "church lady smirk" when something a little off happened. We spent many years together on fabulous adventures and I loved her like a sister. Thank you for your friendship and all the wonderful memories I will always hold dear. I will miss our long talks and sharing secrets with each other. I love you.
Amy Orr
salt lake city, UT
I worked with Cheri for over twenty years and we both rose through our respective employer ranks over time together. She gave me an early opportunity in my career to build repoire with the city planning staff and every step after that became easier and more natural that we work together more closely. She had wide influence on our city, in intangible ways that only jargon and insider ball can make tangible. My best to the family in this time.
Kirk Huffaker
salt lake city,
Cheri and I bonded in lots of ways - April birthdays, both deputies (me for the department, she for the division), lymphoma survivors, love of family and love of our pets. On top of her wit, brains, and eternal optimism, she had a large equity gene. She could always be counted on for being fair to all people under any circumstance. I loved her dearly, and she loved me back. I left my job at the city awhile back but I was at a city event in December and Cheri sought me out for a big hug and a quick catch up even though she was on her way out the door. I am so grateful she did that. If eternal life means that you live on in the hearts of others then please know that Cheri will always be in my heart. I miss her already and my life is better for having known her. I will carry on in good humor and kindness as my dear friend Cheri always did no matter what the circumstance. And songs - there will be lines from songs at every turn.
Mary De La Mare-Schaefer
american fork, UT
Cheri clearly embodied kindness and happiness wherever she was - work, home, or hanging out with family. Words I would use to describe Cheri: kind (of course!), fun, smart, thoughtful, engaged, curious, professional, and just awesome. Cheri was a very easy person to talk to and work with. I am grateful for the privilege of knowing her and working with her at the City for the past 20 years. We love you and miss you Cheri!
Debbie Lyons
salt lake city, UT
I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet Cheri. She was and will continue to be an inspiration of strength and positive attitude towards life. It was a pleasure to see her at work with great sense of humor and no lack of energy to help, even though her physical strength could not always follow her high spirits. Cheri was a true fighter and an example of planner, woman and caring leader! It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to her immense knowledge and beautiful soul that inspired our daily lives. She will be missed as her memory will certainly rest in the history of Salt Lake City's Planning division.
Mayara Lima
salt lake city, UT
Cheri is one of the strongest people I have ever known. I will miss her quick wit and ability to drop quotes from 1970 sitcoms into any conversation. After hearing endlessly her stories about Torrey, I feel like I know the place as I know my own back yard. She was a mentor and a friend and I will be indebted to her forever for all she taught me. Cheri left her mark on the world of planning in Salt Lake City and a lot of the great things in our city have her fingerprints on them. She will be missed.
Nick Norris
slc, UT
The first that comes to my mind when I think of Cheri, is her beautiful bright smile with her gentle laughter. The smile that shined light in the all darkness and the laugh that was a melody to make anyone's day better. She was the women who showed strength like no other and was a warrior. She always taught me to love yourself for YOU. She taught me to not let the bullies words damaged me. Her and I had a thing we would say, that those who bullied us were jealous by how badass we are. She taught me that our battles don't define us, the things we admire and love do. She taught me all about traveling across the states and history of the states. There were plans to travel to new places with cheri. I will still go to those places we talked about going to and I know she will be right there. May angels lead you in my Choo Lo. You made me who I am today and I will forever carry you in my heart, right now, tomorrow and everyday. XOXO Ms Mego
Megan Angela Cullen
salt lake city, UT
Cheri is and always will be an inspiration to me. Her strength and resilience astounded me everyday. I am honored to have spent the last 8 years with her as my supervisor and more so family member. She leaves a gaping hole in our office and her ruby red shoes will be extremely hard to fill. Prayers and love to all that knew her.
Michelle Poland
Michelle Poland
tooele, UT
Cheri was a pillar of kindness and support my entire life. She was a more active and loving aunt than I think many people get from even their parents. She remains one of the smartest and most caring people I've ever known. She was there for all of the biggest moments in my life, and I can't imagine growing up without her love and support. I had the privilege to travel with her throughout the country, and me and my sister Sarah quickly learned firsthand that she was a woman of conviction. We would be pulled through city blocks with starving bellies so we could find a non-chain food restaurant to finally eat at. She taught me to never let illness control your life, and that the only one that can let your health control your life is yourself. A woman who truly proved that no matter the hand you are dealt, you go all in and make the most of your life. You touched all of our lives and I can't imagine my path without you in it. Your changed nephew, Pete.
Peter James Schafer
mcminnville, OR
A truly kind and considerate person, as wonderfully described in her obituary. Her dedication to others was a gift experienced by many, including myself. I am better for knowing her. Very sad to see her go.
Casey Stewart