Cheri Warner-Friend

Cheri Warner-Friend, my soul mate and a shining star of our lives, has passed on from this earthly plane and entered the cosmic paradise of heavenly lights and beauty. Cheri left this realm on May 21, 2025 in Seattle, WA. She was born in Bremerton, WA on February 25, 1948. She grew up primarily in Bellingham, but lived in numerous cities throughout the Puget Sound region between Bellingham and Olympia, in addition to Yakima, WA.

Cheri has been preceded in death by her parents Arthur Warner and Carmen (Shull)Warner and her brother Ed Warner. She is survived by myself, Mark Friend, her husband of 39 years, her siblings Dick Warner (Kris), Debi Miller (Dean), Tom Warner(Jean), and Bob Warner (Patty). Even though she didn’t have her own children, she followed, and was devoted to, the lives of her numerous nieces and nephews and thoroughly enjoyed the many family gatherings that brought us all together.

Cheri graduated from Bellingham H.S. in 1966, received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Yakima Valley CC in 1997, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from the University of Washington in 2000. Over the years, she had several jobs in health care that eventually led to her becoming a Registered Nurse working in Yakima and later in Seattle.

Cheri was very artistic with a keen eye for aesthetics and beauty, both in nature and in creative work. She was an avid reader with interests including food & travel memoirs ,historical fiction, biography, and mysteries. She was an outstanding cook, well-versed in many of the world’s cuisines. She traveled abroad several times and was fascinated to learn about the cultures and traditions of the world. A highlight was our two-year backpacking trip through Europe, the Middle East, and India. She loved cats and was very concerned for animal welfare.

Cheri’s heart-centered personality blessed countless people through her compassion, sensitivity, and generosity. She cared deeply for those who were less fortunate or who struggled due to the tragic situations that impact people throughout the world. Her own personal experiences were a shining example of how to put a positive face on a difficult situation and the degree to which a positive outlook can transform even the most dire circumstances. Her indomitable will, inner strength, and courage astounded all who knew her as she stared down numerous health challenges in later years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made in Cheri’s name to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, the National Marrow Donation Program (formerly Be The Match), or PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) in Lynnwood, WA.

Please visit the Legacy site of Funeral Alternatives of Washington to see a picture gallery, add pictures and share memories and anecdotes. A Celebration of Life will beheld at the ASHHO Community Cultural Center in Tumwater, WA on Saturday, July12th at 11am. Address: 5757 Littlerock Rd SW #4. Please RSVP to to help us plan.