Cherise TKATCH Obituary

TKATCH, Cherise. 66, of Tauranga, New Zealand, passed away peacefully on 18 May, 2023 after an extended battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Born in Edmonton, Alberta to Fred and Dee Foster, she lived the first portion of her life in Edmonton and the latter half living amongst Canada's provinces before moving to New Zealand twice; once with her husband Nelson and in later years with Nelson, and their children. Predeceased by her parents as well as her husband Nelson (2019), Cherise is survived by her daughters Melaney, Elana and Sabrina and those of their children's friends who became like family. She is also survived by her brother Doug and his husband Rong, as well as her brother Bob, his wife Caroline, and their 4 children. Early in her life, Cherise was an avid musician, playing piano, French horn, clarinet and flute. As an adult, she was an accomplished and avid baker â?" and is remembered by friends for her cakes, muffins, cookies and of course, her secret fudge recipe. She converted to Judaism when she married Nelson. She took great pride in studying for years, and learning Hebrew as well as showing off her Jewish cookbooks â?" and impressive cooking skills. She worked as a food scientist for Palm dairy, Laura Secord and Tip Top, before moving to become a full-time mother and other hat wearer. She took pride in helping others and volunteered as a Big Sister as well as donating to various charities and working across any schools or sports her children had signed up for; soccer coach, lunchroom monitor, ballet bun master, she wore many hats. Once her children were all able to fend for themselves Cherise returned to work at Saputo where she made lifelong friendships who turned into pen pals, sending her care packages of Tim Hortons coffee all the way to New Zealand. In New Zealand she co-owned the kitchen and Furniture Paintshop business until Nelson passed and she sold it in order to retire early and work house projects instead of resting; new floors, carpets, bathrooms, painting the external and internal walls and ceiling, as well as redoing the kitchen were all on the list. She had a love of movies, anything from musicals to Star Trek was fair game, and she would surprise you with new films she'd seen that she would recommend. She loved reading, imparting that to her three girls from a young age by reading us our favourite series and jumping on board the Harry Potter phenomenon as we did. Thank you to everyone who helped care for Cherise and kept her comfortable on her journey with Breast Cancer including; Dr Michelle, and everyone at Canopy Clinic Tauranga, her GPs â?" Dr Burness, and Dr Belton, as well as the various DHB Nurses, the Waipuna Hospice Team, and her at home carers. We'd also like to extend a thank you to everyone who has offered support to Cherise and our family the past year (and earlier), we all greatly appreciated the fond thoughts, calls, gifts, visits, and prayers. Cherise will be missed by many. We take solace in the fact that we are sure of two things, she is surrounded with love and dad's been saving her a seat. In lieu of flowers, Cherise asked for donations to be made on her behalf to Sweet Louise (https://sweet-louise-tribute.raisely.com/cherisetkatch) or the Breast Cancer Foundation. The Levaya (Funeral) will be held on Sunday 21st May 2023, 2:00 pm at the Beit Olam, Waikumete Cemetery.