Cheryl K. Heiserman

In Loving Memory of Cheryl Kay Heiserman
1952 - 2025
Cheryl Kay Heiserman's (Schwind) soul soared to the heavens on June 6, 2025, at 4:30 PM in her home in Vancouver, WA. She was 72 years old. Though cancer ultimately claimed her body, it could never dim her spirit or the brightness she brought to those around her.
She was born in Eureka, South Dakota, on August 1, 1952, to Arthur Schwind and Erna Schwind (Kaseman). She was the fourth of their five children: Dennis, Douglas, Brunella, and Steven. She is predeceased by her father, Arthur, who passed when she was only three years old. She also has a step-sister, Deirdre Gay-Stark (Tallman), who was the daughter of her step-father, Lyle Tallman, who passed away in May 2010.
Cheryl is survived by her beloved husband of 49-plus years, Charlie, cherished daughter Chelsey Rae (husband Jake McMurdie), and her adoring grandson, River Rae McMurdie. She is also survived by her mother, three brothers, sister, and step-sister. Her presence in their lives- and the lives of all who knew her- was a gift beyond measure.
Cheryl loved her family dearly. She was a loyal Seattle Mariners fan and an active member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and participated in the bowling and softball teams, forming lifelong friendships. She also loved to travel and, true to her adventurous spirit, recently fulfilled a dream, one last unforgettable vacation to the Bahamas with her family. She said, "I went to sit on a beach with my family and eat delicious fruit." And she did just that.
Cheryl was a skilled and industrious woman who ran her own seamstress business while raising her daughter Chelsey, even creating life-sized "doll" mannequins for Fred Meyer store displays. Over the years, she took on a wide range of roles, including working as a cook and dishwasher in several elementary school kitchens. She later focused primarily on administrative work, contributing her talents to companies such as HOSTS Corporation and America's Phone Guys. Cheryl also cleaned homes for a time, always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
No matter what else she was doing, she stayed busy with her sewing-recovering cushions, altering clothing, and crafting an incredible variety of handmade items, from bean bag chairs and curtains to custom wedding dresses, quilts, sweaters, and even socks. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her work was always done with care and precision.
A woman of endless talent and unwavering kindness, Cheryl was the kind of person who lifted every room she entered. She exuded peace, wisdom, and joy. Her positive attitude was her signature; her wise counsel was a source of strength to many. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and lived humbly. Cheryl was a true Renaissance woman. There was little she couldn't create with her hands. She was an extraordinary baker and cook, an attentive gardener, and someone whose love of animals was rivaled only by her care for people. She managed the books as the treasurer of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, helped small business owners stay organized, and never hesitated to roll up her sleeves, whether it was cleaning homes or tiling a bathroom. She could sew a quilt, fix your sink, and host a five-course dinner for a hundred all in one weekend.
Her grandson, River, only 4 1/2 years old, may have said it best:
"She could take care of animals, and she could take care of the whole earth. She could take care of trees, plants, and bushes. She could take care of Venus flytraps and pitcher plants." Even at such a young age, River understood the depth of his Oma's love and capabilities.
Cheryl was the kind of person you loved to be around, and she loved to be with you. Her warmth was magnetic, her joy contagious. Heaven now rejoices in the light she brings, and those left behind will carry her memory in their hearts forever.