Cherie M. Smith
Obituary
Cherie M. Smith passed from this life in the morning of March 24, 2023.
Born September 13, 1953 to Pauline (Masterson) and Marvin Smith, Cherie was their only child. She was born in Watsonville and attended local schools and Watsonville High School. Cherie developed a passion for ballet at age 11, taking private classes in Watsonville, and San Francisco. At age 18 she was accepted to the prestigious Banff Ballet Company of Alberta, Canada. She toured with the company for three years, then returned to marry Lynn Osborne, also of Watsonville. They divorced in 1980.
Cherie opened Osborne Studio of Ballet in Watsonville and began instructing ballet classes to children and adults in Santa Cruz County. She took great pride in turning out students who were accepted to professional ballet companies, and became professional ballet dancers. She also assisted her father at Smith Monument Shop of Watsonville, learning the trade of marble and stone engraving. Together they created countless gravestones and memorials. Among their proudest achievements was being commissioned to create the memorial at the entrance to Monterey Wharf, commemorating local fishermen. Marlene Smith owned and operated Smith Beauty Salon in Watsonville for many years.
Cherie moved to Granbury, Texas in 2006, making many friends in Pecan Plantation, where she built her home. She fought her cancer diagnosis bravely, and her close friends wish to thank Hospice for their care.
There will be a private memorial to be announced. Cherie expressed in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Santa Cruz SPCA.
Published in The Pajaronian · June 15, 2023