Cheri Jean Cavanagh
March 7, 1949 – March 24, 2021
Cheri Jean Cavanagh was born March 7, 1949 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Lambert & Stella Schindler. She grew up on the family farm outside of Elgin, Nebraska, then moved to Omaha, to get her nursing degree. She was a charge nurse at Lutheran Hospital, where she took pride in helping nurses grow in their practice, while putting doctors in their place. She finished her career at Methodist, where she was honored with an Employee of The Year award during her final year of nursing.
In college, Cheri was set up on a blind date with a redhead named Jim. Even though she firmly stated she never dated redheads, he sweet-talked her into marrying him twice, and they spent decades raising three children and having many wonderful adventures together. Some of their fondest memories were spent camping at Island Lake in Colorado with their extended family, playing at the boat, and traveling abroad.
Cheri’s greatest joy was raising her three wonderful children: Matt, Dan, and Sarah. She loved watching them grow into caring, generous, and kind adults. She was exceptionally proud of her children and loved spending time with them. She was known in her family as the ‘Boss Cow’ with her figurative clipboard and whistle, telling everyone what to do and when to do it, and if you knew better, you’d jump right to it. Anyone that knew her can attest to her inspirational spirit, which touched the lives of many. Cheri was a mother to all.
She is celebrated and survived by her three children, Matthew (Kelley), Daniel, and Sarah (Kyle), her best friend and sister, Linda, her brother Ron and sisters Barb and Charlene. Though she will be deeply missed by many, she was welcomed with joy by those who have gone before her, including her loving husband Jim, her parents, brother Larry and many more.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 30th, from 5-7pm at West Center Chapel with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. FUNERAL MASS at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge Street, on Wednesday, March 31st at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or to your local Food Bank.
12 Comments
So very thankful Kelley had the blessing of becoming a Cavanagh and having Chrei as her FAVORITE Mother In Law. I loved hearing all of the Sarah and Kelley stories that kept Cheri on her toes and the laughter that followed! Cheri will be missed dearly by all of us! Such a great lady gone too soon! Love to all of you!!!
Cheri was a special person. She would help anyone out she was a loving mom and a good friend. She will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to the family.
My memories of Cheri are her smile and laugh. I knew Cheri from Methodist Hospital and just her presence in a room would be so cheerful.
My sympathies to all of her family.
Being one of the beginning ovarian cancer group member (SOCS), I can attest to Cheri’s go to spirit. Once she became a member of our group, she reached out to other new members to help them with their journey. As a group, we say goodbye to her and thank her for all the blessings she gave us.
I knew Cheri from dealing with her at Lutheran Hospital. I worked for two orthopedist who used that hospital for their cases. I am sure my boss, Max Kinney, was one of the doctors she put In his place. We always knew that if Cheri said she would take care of it – well, she did. Lucky to have known her.
Aunt Cher always had a smile on her face and a job to do. She was a dedicated mother and wonderful Aunt. Her life is an example of living with arms wide open and embracing those around her. I will miss you Auntie, you brought so many people together and I love you for that!
My angel, mentor and friend. Cheri saved my life when my doctor wouldn’t listen to me. Always watching over my family as well. You were so very special. May God comfort your family.
I feel fortunate to have met her on a number of occasions when she was with the siblings and laughter filled the air! Our family sends our sympathy and uplift for her life well lived and family and friends whose lives she touched in so many ways! May the great times you all shared bring smiles and peace at this time of loss.
The Urschels
My sincere sympathy to Cheri’s family. I worked at the Lutheran Hospital and enjoyed bowling leagues and ski trips with Cheri way back when. I will always remember her smiling face and “get ‘er done” attitude. She was so good to host so many LMC reunions. She treated the lot of us as family. I wish her family peace. She was one of the good ones and will be missed by so many.
The Cavanagh Clan will all miss our “Boss Cow”. She was full of energy and love. She loved and cared for my brother Jim better than anyone else could. She was a great mother and friend. Her laughter will be missed on earth, but I know it now brings joy in heaven.
To the most courageous fighter, with the biggest heart, the greatest love for life and her kids and the best-timed sass – Cheri Cavanaugh you will be missed. Fly free beautiful Lady. Fly Free.
So sorry to the families for your loss! Cheri was a blast.
Sign Guestbook