Cherie Rita Tessier Obituary (1953

Cherie Rita Tessier (61) of Olympia, passed peacefully from this life to the next, to be in the home of our heavenly Father, on the evening of July 15th after a gradual decline in health from a stroke. Cherie was supported by her loving family and caregivers @ Mother Joseph's during the last days of her life. Cherie was born on July 30, 1953 in Yakima, WA and was welcomed/adopted by Wallace and Irene (Desharnais) Tessier. Cherie was the 2nd child to be adopted into this family. She became the oldest girl out of 5 children. Cherie was educated at Moxee Elementary then Barge Lincoln Elementary, Franklin Jr High, and she then went on to graduate from A. C. Davis High School in 1972. Cherie loved school and was active in the disabled community all throughout her school years. One of the activities we did as her siblings during those days was to go bowling, with her on the disabled person's league in town. This is one of many great memories for us all during this time of her life. Cherie moved to the West Side of Washington sometime in the late 70's or early 80's. Cherie loved to knit and crochet gifts for family and friends. She took pride in making items for everyone she loved. Those items will now be treasured by all who received them. Cherie also loved to Swim and play Bingo in her spare time. Cherie was a participant in the Special Olympics here in Washington & later participated in the Adult games as well. She won many metals for the back stroke and freestyle. Cherie was supported by the State of Washington. However she treated it as being paid for the work she did for others. Cherie had always been an active member of any and all the communities she lived in. She belonged to Toast Masters, PAS Port 4 Change, Self-Advocates in Leadership (a statewide group based at The Arc), She attended Advocacy Days whenever she could, she was also a very active advocate for Thurston County Chapter & People First of Washington and I'm sure there were more. She also hosted and produced 2 award-winning TV public affairs shows "Let Your Voices Be Heard" & "Meet Your State Legislators". Cherie always was a part of all & any community originations' that would help others find their voice. She never failed to provide information to anyone & everyone. This will forever be her legacy, something we all should aspire to become. Cherie has been described by many of her friends & family as: relentless, an amazing inspiration, a tireless advocate, a champion for those with disabilities. She had a smile that was contagious and a heart as big as the sky. Cherie never met a stranger, she thought of everyone as a friend. Even those who never met her, said she was an inspiration. She also had the most amazing memory. She knew everyone's birthday and anniversary, and would sing (Happy Birthday) to you no matter where you or she was. Cherie lived her life on her terms. She never let herself be defined by her disabilities. Cherie is survived by her 2 sisters, Vickie Lane and Theresa (Dan) Higbee of Yakima; and 1 brother Leonard Tessier of Spokane. Cherie also had many nieces: Leena (Duane) Haushild of Vancouver WA, Andrea Daniels of Renton, Jennifer Lane, Shelby and Jordan Higbee all Yakima & Rebecca Tessier of Spokane. Plus nephews: Ryan, Jason, Jeff Tessier all of Olympia, Andrew (Jackie) Tessier of Raymond WA and Justin Lane of Yakima. Cherie also has some uncles & 1 aunt on her mother's side plus numerous cousins and friends from all over the US. She is preceded in death by her Parents; Wally & Irene (Desharnais) Tessier and 1 brother Leon Tessier. A Memorial service to celebrate Cherie's life will be held at Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic Community on Saturday August 22, 2015 at 5:00 PM at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, 910 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. There will be a potluck dinner following the service. Please bring a dish to share at the potluck, if you are able. Also if you are planning to be with us, please let me (Theresa) know so we'll have some idea how many chairs and tables, etc. we will need. Contact me via Facebook messaging Theresa Higbee. Thank you! A private burial @ Woodland Funeral Home & Cemetery will take place at a later date time. SERVICES Funeral service Saturday, August 22, 2015 5:00 PM St. Benedict's Episcopal Church 910 Bowker St. SE Lacey, WA 98503