Age 43, of Holland, Ohio died on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 8 year battle with brain cancer. During her sickness, Cherie was an incredible inspiration to all that knew her. Her wonderful smile and attitude amazed every person that she came in contact with. Cherie was the loving mother of Matthew (12) and Christopher (9). She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and watching their sports and activities. Cherie was born on December 14, 1962 in Livonia, MI to Arnold and Alice (Parent) St. Onge. She was a graduate of Thurston High School, Redford, MI and attended both Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI along with the University of Michigan at Dearborn. She married her husband, Steven F. Essig on July 27, 1991 in Livonia. She and her husband started and have owned American Interiors since 1993. Cherie was a member of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and a Bible Study Group. Cherie is survived by her husband, Steven; sons, Matthew and Christopher; mother, Alice St. Onge; sisters and brothers, Joyce (The late Robert) Eldon, Michael (Christine) St. Onge, Deborah (Ron) Houchins, William (Susan) St. Onge, and Carrie (Tom) Wickersham; father and mother-in-law, James and Marie Essig; brothers and sisters-in-law, Christopher and Mary Essig and Richard and Noelle Essig. She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold St. Onge. She will be sadly missed by all of her family, friends and employees. Friends may call on the family at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. A Scripture Service will be held on Sunday at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will begin with prayers at the funeral home on Monday at 9 a.m. followed by Mass of the Christian Burial at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo Ohio at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Cherie's name are asked to consider the Victory Center or the Brain Tumor Research Fund at the University of Michigan. |