(We lost a very good friend today, August 20, 2013. Two years ago we published this article, an interview with Cherie. We knew her as Cece and she charmed us all with her humor, her gardens, and her down-to-earth but uplifting attitude. I thought it appropriate that we read her words again, just as Nap presented them to us those years ago. Rest in Peace, Cece, you always left us with a smile and we will long remember you. ~ Sharon)
From Nap in 2011:
When I wrote requesting an interview with her, Cece told me, "I just never saw my life as ever being anything but ordinary. What's the word I want .... Mundane." She took just a little coaxing before I convinced her she would make a good interview. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Cherie Coogan....
I was loving the notes between Cherie and me during the time I was preparing this Spotlight interview.
Cherie was so humble, and so in love with her husband and with life itself. I believe that she made a lot of people happy in her lifetime, and brought smiles to many faces. She had a gift that she was not aware of.
I think the message Cherie left with us was one of happiness, and I think she was happiest when she talked of her family and her gardens. She and I were friends on Facebook as well as years ago on Dave's Garden, then here on Cubits and again at ATP, just as she was friends with all of you. But I was thinking this morning as I heard the news of her passing ~ mostly having only known her on line ~ what I will miss most is the happiness that showed in her words. Words are powerful things, especially when we realize that they are likely the only way we will ever know most of our online friends.
I looked again at her Facebook page and at the end of July and up till the 2nd of August, she posted picture after picture of her lovely gardens. Uplifting.
Some of you asked me what happened, and I only know that her daughter began posting on FB for her about a week ago when she had a pulmonary embolism and developed pneumonia and I think what followed was a downhill week for her, though from Amber's posts Cherie was able to walk and talk in the hospital halls with Ed on Sunday.
Things like this grab our hearts and touch us deeply, especially when it is so sudden. But I want to remember her humor, her happiness, and I think that was her gift to us.
And maybe she left us all with a need to hug our friends a little more often.
Name: Becky Capps Phoenix, AZ 85022 finding joy one day at a time!
I was sad to hear of Cece's death this morning. She had married Ed only 7 years or so ago. A short time together but one of joy and love, from the sounds of her special words about him.
May her family be comforted with peace during this very tough and sad time.
Sharon and Nap,
Starting Spotlight was the best thing you guys could have done. I read Cece's story with tears in my eyes, but she lives on forever in words.
Name: Lance Gardner coastal plain Virginia Question authority, guide in wisdom
What a wonderful example she set for us: overcome diversity and still have a positive outlook on life, as well as just enjoying life and never stop learning and growing. Her enthusiasm for gardens and her granddaughter were wonderful, especially since both came later in her life. She will be missed by many. Thank you for reminding us of her gifts with this article, Sharon.
Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground -- the unborn of the future Nation. The Constitution of the Iroquois Nations. Dogs; Family Fun Unplugged; Perennials, Annuals, Veggies; Happy Birthday Wishes
Thank you for re-posting that wonderful story. I didn't no know her personally but I read many of her posts. my condolences go out to Ed and her family.
Beautiful Souls like Frank leave lasting memories in the hearts of those he touched .
billyporter wrote:Sharon and Nap,
Starting Spotlight was the best thing you guys could have done. I read Cece's story with tears in my eyes, but she lives on forever in words.
Many thoughts and prayers for her and her family.
I am touched by your comment, billyporter. Thank you!
I've been a lurker to so many times that Cece posted that I feel like I knew her too. I'm so sorry about her passing and I send my prayers to her family and friends...
Thank you so much for sharing Cece's story with us once more Sharon. Sometimes the people with the best outlook on life have been through some of the worst times. She was one of those. May she rest in peace and her precious Ed and her family take comfort in the fact that she spread her sunshine to more people than they can imagine.
To CeCe'a Family know that she will be sorely missed and Very Lovingly remembered.
She was one of a kind, but you already know that.
Her deep deep love for you shone thru in her messages.
Nancy that article once again left me a bit teary.
The first time was for how well you caught CeCe's Spirit and Joy.
This time, selfishly, for how much I will miss that Spirit and Joy.
CeCe this cuppa is raised in your Honor.
“The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That's the deal.”
C.S. Lewis
There are a little over 5000 cubit members many of them feeling as I do right now.
Some folks really stand out for their contributIons, Cece will be remembered.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends, the later numbering in thousands.
I wanted you to know that I posted the link to this article on Cece's Facebook page so the family could see it. I noticed this morning that her son Ryan had shared it on his page, so I am sure in time her family and friends there will read the caring thoughts that you've posted for her here and will feel better for having read them.
Henryr10 wrote:
Nancy that article once again left me a bit teary.
The first time was for how well you caught CeCe's Spirit and Joy.
This time, selfishly, for how much I will miss that Spirit and Joy.
Thanks for commenting about that, Ric. I wish Cece could know how much love her Cubits friends are sharing this week. And all the happy memories she has provided for us. Maybe she does??
Another round of thanks to you, Sharon, for posting the article link to Facebook. Now more people will know what a wonderful lady Cece was.
