Cherilyn Laurel Carigon, loving mother, grammie, wife, partner, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at the age of 62 in Elkhart, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Carigon; sisters, Suzanne and Virginia. Cherie is survived by her children, Amy (Garrick) Greathouse, Nicholas (Jessica) Carigon; significant other, Lennie Wilkes; his children, Leonard Wilkes III, Elisabeth Nicole; grandchildren, Colin and Parker Greathouse, Bennett Carigon; brother, Gerald (Cindy); sister, Marilyn (Paul); numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends and pets.
Born on February 10, 1962, and raised in Saranac, Michigan, Cherie was a cherished daughter of Forrest and Margaret Rose. She fell in love with and married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Carigon. Together they went on to have their children, Amy and Nicholas, and built their life venturing all over, meeting many friends along the way. Cherie and Dan worked tirelessly to create a life rooted in family, love, and laughter.
At the young age of 44, she tragically lost her husband Daniel to cancer and was forced to start a new chapter. This brought another great love into her life, Leonard Wilkes, her second soulmate. They shared the same love of travel and friendships that work brought their way. During their travels, Cherie fell in love with Arizona, where she and Lennie found their forever home in Fountain Hills. Cherie had many artistic talents and enjoyed building that into the world around her. With that she brought their vision to life. We will always remember her relaxing by the fountain in their courtyard.
Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Graveside services will follow at 2pm at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 2894 Patterson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Luncheon will follow following graveside service at The Branch Church, 973 28th St. Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Memorial contributions can be made to Heart-to-Heart Hospice, 1178 Fremont Ct. Suite 2, Elkhart, IN 46516.
13 Responses
So many memories with Cherie and the Carigon family. Love to you all and sympathy in this difficult time.
Cherie was a great lady. She was a good friend and will be missed. Gonna miss her smiling face at the market and the road shows. My thoughts and prayers to Lennie and her family during this difficult time and the weeks ahead.
She will be greatly missed , Bill and I send our deepest sympathy . Fly high my friend!
Cherie will always be in my heart! I was Aunt Barb to all her furry babies took care of them for years. Rest Peacefully My Friend ❣️
Until we meet again my friend. You are loved.
Cherie is a great lady! She will be missed. Prayers and hugs to family and friends. RIP Cherie. Loved being your friend.
My deepest sympathies to Lennie, her children and their families. The world lost an amazing person 🥲
To Lenny and children, you are in our hearts and our prayers. We love you all and we will love Sherry, John and Gigi Conner.
Dear Lenny and Family,
Please know you all are in our prayers and thoughts as you grieve Cherie’s death. I pray you find comfort in knowing she is now in eternal peace. Godspeed, Ray, Julie, Marisa, Morgan and Bandit Plagens
Cherie was one of the friendliest people that I’ve met in the last 25 years. I can’t believe that I’ve known her for 25 years. My condolences and prayers and sympathies go out to her friends and family in this difficult time.
Prayers for family and friends
Cheri! I need a Cheeseburger and some menthols! Haha! Really sad and tragic that this had to happen. She will be missed. Her and Leonard were quite a pair. God please watch over her for us.
I have known Cherie many years mostly from the road shows. Her booth always looked so professional and classy. Cherie and Lennie were a fun couple. Terry and I enjoyed dinner with them. I will miss her and her great laugh.