Cheryl 'Cherie' M. Clark

CHERYL "CHERIE" M. CLARK

Cedar Rapids

Cheryl "Cherie" M. Clark, 71, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on March 2, 2022, due to complications of CP. Per her request, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to

3 p.m. at the Unity Center, located at 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, on Friday, May 20. You are invited to come and share her celebration!

Cherie was born on Dec. 26, 1950, in Iowa Falls, to her parents Donald Dever Clark and Mary Adeline (Street) Clark. She had an amazing childhood. Because her father traveled and worked away from the home, her mother, Mary, was the main support for Cherie. At an early age, Cherie confounded her mother and the medical community. Dr. Healy at the University of Iowa diagnosed Cherie with childhood Cerebral Palsy (CP). Cherie remembered her visits to the Easter Seals in Des Moines at an early age.

Cherie enjoyed games which required great intellectual and strategic thought. Her mother always told her "As long as you have your intellect, you can figure the rest out!"

Cherie's education included degrees from Ellsworth College, Wartburg College, and course work at both University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

As a living example of people with disabilities, Cherie became a fierce advocate before she even knew what an advocate was. Her career and post career was in social work, and making certain everyone was treated fairly and with dignity. Cherie was involved in many, many projects, committees, councils and organizations. Her knowledge, reputation and passion led her to be involved on the local, area, state, and federal level. Her inputs and knowledge of ADA issues was a resource for unknown numbers of individuals, entities and governmental organizations. Cherie was active in all things related to the ADA.

Cherie was a founding member of Peer Action Disability Support (PADS) – right here in Cedar Rapids. Since its' inception in 2003, PADS has been the foremost education, advocacy, and training organization for persons with disabilities in Iowa. Under Cherie's leadership, PADS has hosted multi state educational conventions, tackled local ADA compliance problems, and assisted in many, many projects related to the ADA. PADS continues as a vibrant organization, largely due to Cherie's drive and support.

In her last months, Cherie's health severely limited her ability to participate in events, but she monitored and championed them as best that she could.

Cherie had a lifelong love for animals. Her specialty was greyhounds. She shared her home with many rescue greyhounds!

Simply put– Cherie – you will be missed.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.