Cherie Stevens, a lifelong advocate for Schoharie County’s kids, the elderly and everyone in between, died Saturday.
Ms. Stevens was 65.
Her passing was a shock to her many friends, for she had organized the 22nd Marathon for a Better Life only two weeks before.
Ms. Stevens was president of the Marathon, which benefits Schoharie County cancer patients and their families, and was also president of the county Council of Senior Citizens.
Other interests were many. She was active in the Theater Project of Schoharie County, led a choir at ARC and formed the Hot Pots, a singing group that visited nursing homes.
But it was at the Marathon that Ms. Stevens was most visible. The event routinely raised about $100,000 for cancer patients every year.
“It will take all of us to pull together and keep going,” said Kathy Diamond, Marathon vice president and a close family friend for decades.
“But we will. Cherie was a motivation for others and gives us the strength to go forward.”
Like Ms. Diamond, Ron Cleeve knew Ms. Stevens for years, ever since the two were dorm directors at SUNY Cobleskill in 1970.
They remained close when working later at the college and also with the Theater Project and in programs for kids.
Mr. Cleeve recalled Ms. Stevens helping to raise the family children and direct the Megawatts, a singing group of youngsters who performed around the state.
“Cherie was the impetus for so much good for our county and our kids,” Mr. Cleeve said. “Words can’t describe how much she gave.”
Ms. Stevens excelled not only in doing good deeds, but also in persistence, he added.
“Cherie developed a hard-nosed aptitude for getting things done,” Mr. Cleeve said. “If you needed something done, you called Cherie.”
Nancy Dingee, director of the county Office for the Aging, said Ms. Stevens helped out countless times as president of the Senior Council.
“Whenever we needed anything my programs couldn’t provide, Cherie was always there,” Ms. Dingee said.
Ms. Dingee especially appreciated the Hot Pots, who sang and cracked jokes at nursing homes in the region.
“She entertained older adults because she loved to do it,” Ms. Dingee said.
“Cherie was so mindful of the community, helping wherever she could. “We should all try to do as she did.”
Ms. Diamond pointed to the range of causes Ms. Stevens undertook: Young people, cancer patients, the elderly, ARC consumers.
“She loved unconditionally,” Ms. Diamond said. “Cherie was the epitome of a volunteer. She had a huge heart and a big smile every time you saw her.”