Behind the name: Cheery

(Cheery is the Mother of Tiffanie Garcia in Field Services)

Cheery Rae Love lived one heck of a life! Always audacious and unafraid, she made sure every second counted and lived life by her own rules.

Over her lifetime she experienced many challenges: a heart attack and subsequent by-pass surgery that caused her to go blind (luckily her eyesight came back six months later) as well as the loss of both legs due to many years of diabetes. But like the Energizer Bunny, nothing EVER stopped her! She managed to always turn each negative into a positive—“cheer-fully” pressing forward with fierce determination!

Cheery was an entertainer and was also known and loved by her other name: “Mona the Singing Bag Lady.” She began doing singing telegrams and motivational speaking at corporate events many years ago. She gleefully roasted certain “victims” while gently reminding everyone to not judge and to be kind to one another. Her motto was to always take the time to look for rainbows and butterflies. And that, she did!

Because of the way Cheery lived her life, she became a hero to many. Her love for this world was infectious, and she joyfully and mischievously took everyone along on the wild ride whether they wanted to go or not! Each individual who knew Cheery still can’t help but smile and quietly chuckle at the adventures they had with her.

Cheery really LIVED, and she taught all who knew her to do the same—with passion, joy, pride and courage.

She passed away on March 13, 2013, surprising everyone because she had us convinced she would live forever. A few days later her life was celebrated by a standing-room-only crowd, on a beautiful, bright, sunny day as a rainbow of balloons and a legion of butterflies were released to the sky.

As you carry the Shell that bears her name, honor her by loving life, seeking adventures, dreaming big, and exploring the path less traveled— then claim them as your own. 

Be a Cheery!