Cheri Lynn Coffey
Cheri Lynn Coffey passed away on February 21. She was born on April 30th, 1967 to Jim and Coral Coffey, and was welcomed into the family by her brother Brad and sister Chris. Thank goodness she came along because Brad and Chris needed someone to take charge and give them a little direction.
Growing up in Rose Park, she played softball, and served as the team pitcher. Her dad, the coach, was frustrated when Cheri spent more time picking dandelions than fielding the ball. Cheri's softball career was short lived because she was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 10. She spent many days and weeks in the hospital growing up. Cheri's parents were dedicated to her and spent many sleepless nights in the hospital throughout her illness. Regardless of her many hospital stays and surgeries, Cheri maintained a positive attitude and even during the most trying times, NEVER complained about her illness. She would however, roll her eyes and sigh heavily when a fresh faced hospital employee would boast that he/she was sure they could get Cheri's IV in. They never could.
Cheri attended Newman Elementary, Northwest Middle School, West High School and was a proud graduate of the University of Utah. After graduation from the University of Utah with her masters in Urban Planning, Cheri started her career with Salt Lake City Corporation. She was the Associate Director of Planning at the time of her passing where she made many long-time friends.
Cheri was especially fond of spending time with her nieces and nephews. She was thoughtful and always went out of her way to show them that she loved them. Each year, Cheri bought a Christmas ornament for her nieces and nephews signifying an important event or accomplishment in their lives. When Cheri's nephew was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Cheri took three days off of work so that she could learn how take care of him. Cheri always understood that family should come first. She was thoughtful beyond measure, and never forgot a birthday, special event, or goofy celebration.
Cheri loved her animals and provided a wonderful life for Abby, Sophie and Louie, who were anxiously awaiting her arrival at the Rainbow Bridge. She leaves behind her loyal companion Cooper, who she adopted from the Humane Society. She was sure he was a lost pet because she could not imagine anyone giving up such a wonderful dog.
Cheri enjoyed traveling and encouraged a love of travel in her nieces and nephews. She and her family enjoyed many trips to locations such as Europe, Boston, New York, Oregon, California, Florida, and Idaho. Cheri and her cousin Mike, took trips to Ohio, Kentucky and South Dakota looking for treasures. Torrey was one of Cheri's favorite places and she tried to spend as much time as possible there. Cheri, Chris and cousin Natalie took their daughters on "coming of age" birthday trips to Portland for Sarah's 21st, and Boston for Erin's 21st. Cheri was looking forward to a trip this summer with the families latest 21 year old, Megan. The trip will not be the same without Cheri.
Cheri was a proud member of the Sweet Potato Queen's Book Club, although many suspect it is really just a drinking club. The Sweet Potato Queens, and you know who you are, were dear friends to Cheri and she enjoyed over twenty years of adventures and friendship with these amazing women and their families.
Cheri grew up playing poker and Tripoli with her Uncle Larry, Aunt Jean, who were like a second set of parents to her, and her cousins Natalie and Mike. Her love of games continued into adulthood and she loved few things more than playing games with her family. Her family disliked Cheri's favorite game, Trivia, as much as Cheri loved it.
Cheri faced many physical challenges, but was a true warrior and always up for an adventure. Her family will miss her smarts and her sass. She was strong, opinionated and loving and her loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts.
Cheri is survived by her parents, her brother Brad (Robert Thompson), sister Chris Schafer (Randy), nieces and nephews; Katie, Sarah, Peter Sydney and Jake, her loyal dog Cooper, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of building. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Torrey Cemetery in Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Humane Society of Utah (www.utahhumane.org) or Color Country Animal Welfare (www.colorcountryanimalwelfare.org) located in Wayne County.