Cherie Lynne Tiffany

How does one grasp the brevity of life? Cherie Lynne Tiffany died on Tuesday morning, June 20th, 2023, after learning about her new normal of taking chemo pills and fighting nausea for a curable form of cancer. Anyone who knew Cherie, discovered she must have been given extra courage to deal with lifes struggles. Preceded in death by her mom, Ann Carlson Tiffany, and grandparents, Henry and Kate Carlson of Laurens, IA, Cheries trials mirrored her moms. With a seemingly endless supply of strength and courage in the face of insurmountable odds, including raising a special needs child, Cherie would have said a heartfelt thanks to each one of the many advocates and care team workers and educational staff. Shed give a special thanks to the crew at Grandwood School for bringing Austin out of the shadows and giving him a voice to help others through Autism Speaks and other incredible events like Night to Shine. Also preceded in death are her dad, Floyd L Tiffany, and grandparents, Harold and Dorothy Tiffany of Colfax, IA. Cheries brother, Brian Tiffany, and sister, Patricia Tiffany Morris, aka Patty, are helping Cheries only son, 27-year-old Austin Tiffany, adjust to life without his moms devoted advocacy in a system that was not always easy to navigate. He is managing with the grace that his mom taught him and is finding his voice. Childhood trauma was no stranger to the Tiffany family, but Cherie managed to embrace opportunities to express herself. Growing up in Marshalltown, Iowa, at Franklin Elementary, MHS Jr and Sr High, she and her sister enjoyed both writing and drama. As young children, they were cast in the musical, Carousel, with their parents at the local theater, and acted in a couple of plays together. Cherie loved working on the HS Yearbook as co-editor her senior year. Her FB friends and Marshalltown friends were her second family. She studied childhood development, graduated from ISU in 1985, and moved to NY shortly thereafter as a professional nanny. After her older sister graduated from ISU, they lived together in a small apartment in Waterloo for a short time before they each found jobs in different cities. But not before they volunteered at the Blackhawk Childrens Theater in Waterloo. Then came Austin. Her pregnancy set off a dream in Cherie to be the best mother she could be for Austin. Followed by long hours debating whether she could parent her baby boy alone, she chose love for Austin, and sparked a determination that paved her way forward as a single parent, like a mama bear protecting her cub. The immense conviction Cherie held to raise Austin, find appropriate education, and obtain mental health services, spoke volumes to everyone. Even the physical strength during her childbirth without anesthesia, put doctors and others in awe. Cherie especially won admiration from her sister. Her favorite activities surrounded travels and adventures for Austin. He fondly remembers trips to waterparks, hotels, and Disneyland. A Caribbean Cruise that she won from top sales at AAA, traveling to see family, antique shops, vintage and toy auctions, and a grand Washington DC trip are a few of his many memories. In the last few years of her life, Austin liked researching collectible prices and helping Cherie at home and in her business. But throughout her life, she met challenges, obstacles, and roadblocks in her support for Austin, and persevered with the help of family, friends, and with Austins inherited strength. Austin was the anthem in her heart. They watched AGT, movies, and cooking shows. They played games and laughed together. For Cheries Celebration of Life, Austin wants to share the puzzle pieces 🧩 representing autism support and will put out a few puzzles and games at various tables, "because mom would want me to be happy". ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life will be held on July 7th from 5:00-8:00 pm CST at the Bondurant Legion Hall - Post 396. Austin and the family invite you to join the Celebration of Life at 5:00-6:00 pm for gathering time and a light dinner, and at 6:00-7:00 pm for an informal sharing time. Please feel free to stay and visit afterwards for a continued sharing and greeting time through 8:00 pm. The next day, Saturday, July 8th, from 1:00-2:00 pm CST, the family will gather in Laurens, Iowa, at the city cemetery for a brief, informal graveside service. Cheries ashes will be placed with her moms grave, and beside her grandparents, Kate and Henry Carlson. DONATIONS & MEMORIALS: In order to honor Cheries commitment to help her son, the family has set up a PO BOX (at least through September 2023.) Memorial donations for the benefit of her son Austin Tiffany may be directed to Brian Tiffany at P.O. Box 2221, Ames, IA 50010. Please direct any floral arrangements to the Hy-Vee Florist, 108 8th Street SW, Altoona IA 50009, for delivery to the Legion Hall in Bondurant on the 7th. You can order online at Hyvee.com or call them at 515-967-7472. SPECIAL REQUEST: If you would bless Austin with written or recorded memories of you and Cherie, or of Cherie and Austin, we are compiling letters and notes and photos for a notebook for Austin. Thanks in advance. Thanks for your love for our sister and Austins mother, Cherie Tiffany. ~Austin, Brian, and Patty Celebration Of Life Friday, July 7, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM American Legion Hall Post 396 311 Second St NW Bondurant, Iowa 50035