It is with deep sorrow that Chery’s family announces her passing on September 20, 2021. We are forever grateful for the joy and undying love she has shown us, and for the beautiful memories we were so lucky to have shared together.

Chery was born in Vancouver, BC to Mary and Malcom Person. Two years later, the family built a house and had a small farm in Rosedale, BC. She spent her childhood there with her sister Lynda and brother Ken. She attended Rosedale Elementary and graduated from Chilliwack High School. Working on the farm instilled in her the value of hard work and a love of gardening and animals. Her interest in animal biology led her to attend the University of British Columbia and in 1974 she graduated with a Bachelor of Zoology.

While working at a café in Rosedale during her grade 12 year, Chery met the love of her life, Gord Wiles. They married in 1975 and moved to Kamloops for five years, where Chery worked at the agricultural research station. In 1980, they settled in Coldstream where they have lived ever since.

Throughout their 46 years, happily married and dedicated to each other, Gord and Chery raised two children, Ian and Charlene, and are proud grandparents to four beautiful granddaughters. Their son Ian, now lives in Nelson with his partner Lindsay, and daughters Jordyn and Maren. Their daughter Charlene, and husband Adam, live in Ottawa and have daughters Olivia and Hannah. Gord and Chery visited Ian and Charlene often and relished the time spent with their granddaughters.

Chery was the center of communication for the family, keeping in touch with everyone and relaying information to others about what was happening in each of our lives. She could speak for hours about just about anything, making even everyday activities and achievements fun and interesting.

While raising a family, Chery returned to university in Kelowna to earn her teaching degree. She taught at several elementary schools in the Vernon area, finishing her final teaching years at Coldstream Elementary. She was extremely committed to her students and worked countless hours each night preparing lesson plans and marking assignments to ensure she provided all her students with the foundation to succeed.

Chery loved to photograph flowers and birds, capturing the beauty of nature and sharing her photos with friends and family alike. The personal calendars and photo cards she made were always treasured gifts. She read countless novels and crocheted numerous blankets each year for friends and family.

In retirement, she and Gord spent their winters travelling to countries around the world, living simply and soaking in the various cultures and environments. Their final trip together was in 2019, hiking over 900 km of the El Camino trail in Spain and France. They walked 25 km every day for 36 days, meeting travelers from around the world and enjoying the journey with them.

Whether it was her contagious laugh, positive spirit or willingness to do just about anything, Chery made friends wherever she went. She spent her time going to exercise classes, hiking throughout the Okanagan or just chatting over coffee with friends. They even planned hiking and backpacking trips to remote areas in BC and Europe. She was extremely moved and appreciative of those who participated in a drive-by birthday parade last November to raise her spirits.

Her perseverance, strength and will to survive this past 18 months, was witnessed by many and has inspired her family to stay positive, keep smiling and be the best they can be, no matter the circumstance. Although she suffered greatly during her illness, Chery never quit or felt sorry for herself. She handled each day with grace, determination and courage to her very last breath.

We will miss her deeply, treasure her memories always and be forever thankful for all she has given to us. She will remain in our hearts each and every day.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Clinic and Hospice House who helped to treat and care for Chery during her illness. They would also like to thank her wonderful group of friends, who offered her support and love throughout her journey.

Given Chery’s dedication to teaching and wish for every child to live to their fullest, the family asks those wishing to express sympathy, to consider making a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital in remembrance of Chery’s life.

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333