How does one grasp the brevity of life? Cherie Lynne Tiffany died on Tuesday morning, June 20, 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 life’s struggles.
Preceded in death by her mom, Ann Carlson Tiffany, and grandparents, Henry and Kate Carlson of Laurens, Iowa, Cherie’s trials mirrored her mom’s. 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. She’d 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, such as Night to Shine.
Cherie was also preceded in death by her dad, Floyd L Tiffany; and grandparents, Harold and Dorothy Tiffany of Colfax, Iowa.
Cherie’s brother, Brian Tiffany, and sister, Patricia Tiffany Morris, aka Patty, are helping Cherie’s only son, 27-year-old Austin Tiffany, adjust to life without his mom’s 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 Children’s 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, D.C., 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 she persevered with the help of family, friends and with Austin’s inherited strength.
Austin was the anthem in her heart. They watched AGT, movies and cooking shows. They played games and laughed together. For Cherie’s 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 Friday, July 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 396 in Bondurant. Austin and the family invite you to join the Celebration of Life at 5-6 p.m. for gathering time and a light dinner and from 6-7 p.m. for an informal sharing time. Please feel free to stay and visit afterwards for a continued sharing and greeting time through 8 p.m.
The next day, Saturday, July 8 from 1-2 p.m., the family will gather in Laurens, Iowa, at the city cemetery for a brief, informal graveside service. Cherie’s ashes will be placed with her mom’s grave and beside her grandparents, Kate and Henry Carlson.
Donations and memorials: In order to honor Cherie’s commitment to help her son, the family has set up a P.O. 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 Eighth St. S.W., Altoona, IA 50009, for delivery to the Legion Hall in Bondurant on July 7. 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 Austin’s mother, Cherie Tiffany.
~Austin, Brian and Patty
