Lucille Cherry
Lucille Viola Cherry passed away in Newcastle, Washington on May 6, 2018 with her son Tom at her side. She was born in Los Angeles on March 31, 1924, the second daughter of Catalina Island’s first police chief, Ned Peterson, and his wife, Dollie (Dorothy Estella Housel). Lucille married Howard Cherry at the start of World War II and became a mother to three sons, a grandmother to seven much-adored grandchildren, great-grandmother to five, and a stepmother and aunt to many others. When Howard, by then a Major in the Army Air Corps, returned from Germany at the end of the war, they lived first in Grand Rapids, Michigan and then in Bay Village, Ohio where they raised their three sons. Later, Lucille returned to southern California and was married a second time to retired Marine Captain Frank Trumble. She remained a California beach beauty throughout her long life.
Lucille lived with Frank in Carlsbad, California from the 1970s until he passed in 2001. She delighted in welcoming family and friends to her home, decorating it for Halloween, Christmas, and every other holiday, and taking guests on special trips to the beach, the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, and other sites for added fun. She also enjoyed travelling to visit her family throughout the country. When not tending to her gardens, Lucille spent her time shopping for gifts for all her family and wrapping them to perfection, decorating cakes for all birthday parties, and antique shopping. In 2011, after a serious health incident, Lucille moved to the first of two facilities in Washington near Tom, who showered her with boundless love and attention.
Lucille is survived by her three sons: Michael Cherry (wife Dorothy) of Coldwater, MI; Tom Cherry (wife Maureen) of Bellevue, WA, Steve Cherry (wife Ann) of Kennewick, WA. Seven grandchildren: Alissa Cherry, Stephen Cherry, Mike Cherry, Sean Cherry, Kendra Cherry Allen, Chris Cherry, and Todd Cherry. Five great-granddaughters: Charlotte, Shelby, Mikayla, Alyssa, and Aubryella. She also is survived by nieces Debbie Moutrie, Dori Gilley and Diane McDaniel, nephew Frank E. Trumble, many great-nephews and great-nieces, along with longtime friend Chilton Mahin, and wonderful neighbors Roy and Pat Atkin. Both husbands died before Lucille, as did her sister Dorothy, brother Robert, dear cousin and lifelong friend Tannis Atkinson, friend Joan Mahin, and her beloved goddaughter Tracy Taylor.
Lucille brought joy to the lives of many people, who now mourn her passing.