“There is sacredness in tears.  They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.  They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.  They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” – Author: Washington Irving

This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Cherie Essig (St. Onge), who was born in Livonia, Michigan, on December 14, 1962, and passed away on January 17, 2006, at the age of 43, after a long and courageous battle from a brain tumor.

She attended Arthur H. Vandenburg Elementary School from 1968 – 1975. She enjoyed Parks & Recreation activities during the summer like croquet tournaments, badminton tournaments, and making crafts for our parents.  Cherie excelled at everything she did and was quite the competitor.  We were all that way and sometimes it was okay if one of us didn’t win and the other did, though it’s easy to say that now that we’re older. She was a member of the Service Squad and I remember that she used to ask to be scheduled for the lower elementary wing.  She had to be near the 1st and 2nd graders and it was obvious why.  She just had a way with kids and she loved to be near them.  We used to love to ride our bikes, swim, play pool, and just hang out with our friends. 

She attended John D. Pierce Junior High 1975 – 1978.   She was voted “Best All Around” in Junior High.  The reasons for this were obvious.  She was not only gorgeous, she was sweet, generous, loving, and athletic, and everyone loved her.  She was personality plus!  She was on the basketball team, volleyball team, and softball team.  Cherie was also a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, and School Newspaper.  She was a student aide and was also a member of the French Club. Cherie played the clarinet from 5th grade through 9th grade and then decided to give it up as it wasn’t her passion.

She was a 1981 graduate of Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford, Michigan.
Cherie was most proud of her husband, Steven, and their two beautiful boys, Matthew and Christopher.  On July 27, 1991, she married Steven Essig of Erie, Pennsylvania.  She gave birth to their first legacy, Matthew, on April 28, 1993 and to their youngest legacy, Christopher, on March 27, 1996.

Steven and Cherie are the owners of American Interiors in Toledo, OH.  Cherie’s contagious smile brightened every heart and the love she had for her family was only surpassed by God’s love for his children.  She will never be forgotten.

My name is Carrie and Cherie was my twin sister. It’s been said, “The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.”  Cherie was the right side of my heart, and when she passed, she took that part with her.  Only when we reunite, can our hearts be restored to one.  Although I love my life here on Earth, our reunion will be heavenly!

Twins
A poem by Larry Howland

So many good things come in pairs
Like hands, and socks, and pairs of ears
But best of all are sets of twins
With extra laughter, double grins!

There’s so much fun in having two
With twice as many points of view
So much alike, forever linked
And yet, they’re also quite distinct!

They share a birthday and a name
But moods and tempers aren’t the same
Although at times, they may dispute
Their loyalty is absolute!

From days of youth till life is done
It’s one for both and both for one
We’re all quite novel & precise
But special folks…God made twice!