Cherie Jean Elder

July 24, 1940 – February 21, 2023

On February 21, 2023 Cherie Jean Elder, 82, got her wings and went to soar with the Angels.  

Born and raised in Portland, OR, she was the only Child of Marion “Del” DeLashmutt and Ruth Miller.  She was the beloved mother of Jeff and James Smith.  When she married John Elder, her family grew with the addition of Carrie, Jeanine, Joanie B, Ed and John.  Cherie was a proud Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Cherie was preceded in death by her husband John H. Elder, with whom she had a long and loving marriage.

Cherie lived a full life, residing in a variety of places, including a Favorite Alaska. She was a wonderful mother and a good friend to so many.  She reached out to new people in the Montavilla neighborhood she called home, and made sure they felt welcomed.  She loved taking long walks and greeting friends along the way; waving and flashing her beautiful smile.  She had a memorable 35 year career with Kaiser Permanente, retiring as a Contracts’ Administrator.

Cherie was known for her famous Saturday night Tacos, but truth be told she preferred dining out with family and friends.  Cherie enjoyed drawing, coloring, the daily crossword puzzle and writing, this included a book of poetry and she even published a novel titled “Ladies of the Other Room”. 

Cherie loved her family, her countless friends and her cats.   She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. 

This poem was written by her… 

The Visitor

Death came by the other night

On wings of liquid gold;

And I heard the strangest tale,

That I was ever told.

He told of sin and crime and such,

That makes a man corrupt;

Of wailing winds and pitiless cries,

Then left some what abrupt.

I knew not what his visit meant,

I could only hope and pray;

That by some miracle of God,

He’d not return my way.

My Heart rose high with profound fear,

I knew my lamp burned dim;

For something deep within me said,

“He’d pass my way again.”

With pallid lips and Stoney brow,

He took me by the hand;

And clung to me with death’s own grip

Into that Promised Land.

And suddenly my fears were gone,

Immortal now I stood;

Before my King, my Lord, my God,

With reverence, as one should.

Love, Cherie

A celebration of Cherie’s life will be held at a future date to be determined.