Cherrie Turner Carapetyan of Austin died at home Saturday, November 15, with family nearby.  She was vivacious, courageous and articulate her entire life until ended by complications from Parkinson’s Disease.  She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ara, daughters Vicki and Martha, sons Pete, Paul, and David, her twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  

 

Born in western Canada, Cherrie devoted her 78 years to the service of others.  She taught, led, facilitated, and sang.  She organized, fixed, and she cooked.  Her accomplishments were many, her friends and admirers legion.  A long time friend observed, “When Cherrie was around, something was going to be transformed, it was only a question of what, whom, how”.  Though she served several careers, her most constant were her family and friends.   

 

Cherrie’s view of family could only be described as extended; there was always a place for anyone at her table, and countless friends correctly consider themselves part of her family.  Her other principal passions were the love for music she shared with her husband and the community she served with her church congregation. 

 

A memorial service for Cherrie will be held at University Presbyterian Church in Austin on Saturday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m.  Contributions in her name may be made to University Presbyterian Church’s music ministry, or Hospice Austin.