Obituary for Cherie Michele Patterson (Mumper)
Cherie Mumper Patterson is known as a mother, aunt, daughter, friend and a leader who advocated for every student through all circumstances.
Cherie experienced the ultimate graduation when, after only a few weeks of diagnosis, she passed peacefully on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
Born in Aberdeen, Washington, Sept. 16, 1968, Cherie loved the area. Life had a way of always drawing her back to the Grays Harbor community of her roots.
Her days at Cosmopolis Elementary School began at a young age when she attended the K-8 School. Later, she became the superintendent/principal for the very school district where she had begun her education.
Before graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1987, Cherie was actively involved with 4-H and earned numerous Best of Show Awards with her horse, Bill. Her confidence grew through the 4-H presentations and she attributed much of her later successes to time in the Artic Huskies 4-H Club, and the way Kathy Pacana led with encouragement and gentle prodding.
That early leadership experience prepared Cherie to head over the mountains and become a Cougar where she served as a Resident Advisor while studying and building lifetime friendships at Washington State University. Cherie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration, and then a Master’s Degree in Education.
As a young woman, Cherie enjoyed a short time in Colorado, before returning to Washington to build her educational career and do what she loved most — raise her family; Kelly Colten, who now resides in Rochester. Whether riding bikes or horses, Cherie would tell you she loved the lasting ride of raising him.
The road continued with the joys of days with her daughter, Michele Strouf, of Montesano. Together, they earned many accolades at car shows for the 1966 Ford Mustang they refurbished. Cherie was proud of Michele and enjoyed talking about teen activities and the future successes still to come.
Kelly and Michele were her greatest accomplishments and delight.
Cherie will be remembered for her ability to bring sound solutions to complex issues and willingness to advocate for every student through every circumstance. Even as superintendent, Cherie knew each student’s name and touched the hearts and lives of many families and school administrators, who were enhanced by contact with her.
Cherie will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all of the school communities. She also leaves behind her mother Beverly Mumper of Montesano and father Bruce Mumper of Aberdeen; her sister Dana Colten of Aberdeen and niece Renee Strouf of Alaska. Cherie is also survived by her aunt Diana Thurman of Olalla, Washington and favorite cousins Tracy Thurman of Tacoma and Brian Thurman of Port Orchard.
Cherie’s death was attributed to adenocarcinoma, a specific lung cancer, which is rare for a lifetime nonsmoker. With no pain, and only a few weeks from the diagnosis to death, Cherie continues to teach everyone to live each day to the fullest and her final lesson plan — to enjoy even the little moments. She loved big and brought a solid foundation to many lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Cosmopolis School District, PO Box 479, Cosmopolis, WA 98537.
Cherie experienced the ultimate graduation when, after only a few weeks of diagnosis, she passed peacefully on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
Born in Aberdeen, Washington, Sept. 16, 1968, Cherie loved the area. Life had a way of always drawing her back to the Grays Harbor community of her roots.
Her days at Cosmopolis Elementary School began at a young age when she attended the K-8 School. Later, she became the superintendent/principal for the very school district where she had begun her education.
Before graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1987, Cherie was actively involved with 4-H and earned numerous Best of Show Awards with her horse, Bill. Her confidence grew through the 4-H presentations and she attributed much of her later successes to time in the Artic Huskies 4-H Club, and the way Kathy Pacana led with encouragement and gentle prodding.
That early leadership experience prepared Cherie to head over the mountains and become a Cougar where she served as a Resident Advisor while studying and building lifetime friendships at Washington State University. Cherie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration, and then a Master’s Degree in Education.
As a young woman, Cherie enjoyed a short time in Colorado, before returning to Washington to build her educational career and do what she loved most — raise her family; Kelly Colten, who now resides in Rochester. Whether riding bikes or horses, Cherie would tell you she loved the lasting ride of raising him.
The road continued with the joys of days with her daughter, Michele Strouf, of Montesano. Together, they earned many accolades at car shows for the 1966 Ford Mustang they refurbished. Cherie was proud of Michele and enjoyed talking about teen activities and the future successes still to come.
Kelly and Michele were her greatest accomplishments and delight.
Cherie will be remembered for her ability to bring sound solutions to complex issues and willingness to advocate for every student through every circumstance. Even as superintendent, Cherie knew each student’s name and touched the hearts and lives of many families and school administrators, who were enhanced by contact with her.
Cherie will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all of the school communities. She also leaves behind her mother Beverly Mumper of Montesano and father Bruce Mumper of Aberdeen; her sister Dana Colten of Aberdeen and niece Renee Strouf of Alaska. Cherie is also survived by her aunt Diana Thurman of Olalla, Washington and favorite cousins Tracy Thurman of Tacoma and Brian Thurman of Port Orchard.
Cherie’s death was attributed to adenocarcinoma, a specific lung cancer, which is rare for a lifetime nonsmoker. With no pain, and only a few weeks from the diagnosis to death, Cherie continues to teach everyone to live each day to the fullest and her final lesson plan — to enjoy even the little moments. She loved big and brought a solid foundation to many lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Cosmopolis School District, PO Box 479, Cosmopolis, WA 98537.