Cherish Collupy-Smith

Cherish Collupy-Smith passed away on November 16, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She fought with unwavering strength at every step and was surrounded by her closest family as she peacefully passed.

Born on May 30, 1977, in Skamokawa, Washington, Cherish spent much of her childhood in the home where she was raised. Along her life's journey, she formed deep and lasting friendships and remained closely connected to family on both coasts. After graduating from high school in 1995, she moved to Seattle, Washington, before fate led her to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where she met the love of her life, Patrick Smith. In the grandest of ways, Patrick swept Cherish off her feet, and together, they built a beautiful life in Tampa, Florida. There, she gained even more cherished friends and family members whom she deeply loved.

A passionate and dedicated educator, Cherish worked tirelessly to achieve her goal of becoming a teacher, ultimately earning her master's degree in education. During this time, she took precious care of her grandson, Isaiah and welcomed her greatest joy into the world-her beloved son, Keegan Patrick Smith. Cherish was the kind of mother every child deserves: loving, attentive, and endlessly proud of her son. She always will be.

Cherish had an infectious spirit that lit up every room she entered. She was the heart of everygathering, drawing people in with her vibrant energy and zest for life. She knew how to celebrate and had a gift for making everyone-whether a lifelong friend or a stranger-feel welcome in her world.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Richard Sebastian Collupy, whose memory she held dear. She leaves behind a heartbroken but devoted family: her husband, Patrick Smith; hercherished son, Keegan Smith; her loving mother, Nance Collupy; her devoted brother, Treasure Collupy, and sister-in-law, Michelle Collupy; and her adored nephews, Tristan and Tanner. She also leaves behind an extensive circle of friends who were like family, including Adrienne (Ady) Stetson, Laura Williquette, and Sandra Coats, among many others who will forever hold her in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cherish's honor on May 31 at 1:00 PM at the Skamokawa Grange. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in her memory.

Cherish's light will continue to shine in the lives of all who knew and loved her. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.