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Charmaine Viliunas "Sherri" Nicholas
1941 - 2019
BORN
1941
DIED
2019
Charmaine Nicholas Obituary
- - March 6, 1941 - April 30,2019
Sherri was in the hospital April 1 thru April 30, with family by her side throughout. On April 30th @ 7:30am, Papa Joe was with her when she went peacefully to heaven. Mom said to Papa Joe, within the last day or two, "See You When I See You!"
She was Born in Chicago, IL & went to St. Mary of Celle & Morton East High School. She was raised in Berwyn, IL, where she met Edward Viliunas at age 16 & married at 18. They had 5 children, Ed, Rob, Dawn, Michele & Nicole. In 1967, they bought restaurant from Grandma & built it into The Cabin Restaurant & Sherri's Boutique was upstairs. They were world renowned for Her Baby Back Ribs. In 1976, we moved to Palos Park, IL, where our parents bought their dream home.
Sherri volunteered at age 6 for the March of Dimes, she was involved with United Way Foundation, American Cancer Society, (AHA) American Heart Assoc. (on her MENU at restaurant many items were approved by AHA. She was one of the 1st Women on the board of McNeil Memorial Hospital, Lyons Club - Citizen of the Year, & Berwyn Houby Parade Organizer.
Sherri moved to Palm Springs in 1983, she married Joe Nicholas, May 6, 1985 to present. She was General Manager of Doubles Restaurant, now Spencer's in PS. She then got into the design & furniture business, was GM at Krauses. She followed her passion of design & designed beautiful Resin Tables, Paintings, Digital Art, Statues, throughout her life. She won awards all over the world for her art. She was invited to display her Art Work in Paris, France. She has many online shops, www.sherrisofpalmsprings.com. She was also a huge blogger, you could look her up & see her everywhere. Sherri's Art Work hung in Congressman Henry Hyde's office.
Survived by Husband: Joe, Kids: Ed, Rob, Dawn, Michele & Nicole, Grandkids: Eddie, Alexis, Sydney, Melissa, Ruby, & Faithen, Great Grandson, Jeremiah
Mom, we love you so much & are going to miss you!!
Celebration of Life
Sunday, May 19, 2019 @ 2pm
Join us after for Coffee, Cake & Sherri's Art
Date Palm CC Clubhouse
32600 Date Palm Drive
Cathedral City, CA 92234
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charmaine Nicholas
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Morag Bates
May 9, 2025
She has not been forgotten. It was only the other day I remembered how I enjoyed our communications on RedBubble and elsewhere.
I am sure I will not be alone.
Morag
January 12, 2020
You are sadly missed, dear Sherri - I am sure we shall meet again!
Patricia Howitt (junglequeen)
Patricia Howitt
January 12, 2020
December 26, 2019
Remembering dear Sherri this Christmas.
This is an image which I created for Sherri and have called it -
"A Beautiful Angel in Heaven"
Priscilla Laff
May 30, 2019
I will miss you, my dear friend, Sherri. I have known you nearly my whole adult life and have so many wonderful memories when you lived here, the Cabin, our escapades as bff's and all our wonderful visits to the desert to see you and your beautiful family. I will miss our late evening hours-long chat sessions and all the laughs and inspiration we always gave to one another. You are not gone - your memory stays with us forever - just like you never left Chicago - you were always there - just a phone call away. Now, you are never more than a moment away from my heart.
Love always, Pris and Ceil
May 27, 2019
So sorry to learn of Sherri's passing! She has gone to a happier place and this world will be correspondingly poorer for her departure. She was such a warm, loving person... and still is!
JoAnn Kruse
May 25, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear the news. I had hoped to reconnect in California later this year. I'll always remember growing up at The Cabin and the super cool dream house. Bye, Aunt Sherri, see you again, I hope.
May 21, 2019
I was blessed to speak with her by phone a couple years ago. Sherri's heart could cover the world. My sympathies to family & friends. ! Ann
May 21, 2019
I will miss seeing your smile, my sweet RedBubble friend! Rest in peace.
AuntDot
May 21, 2019
I am so very sorry to learn this terrible news.
Sherri had a big beautiful heart and will be missed by many.
Morag Bates (UK)
Susan Henig-Curtis
May 17, 2019
Sherri,
I will miss you so much. Your soul was as beautiful as your art. I have the two prayer paintings on my wall and read them every night before I say my prayers. I love to see your signature on the bottom. I will always remember you with love in my heart.
Susan Henig-Curtis
May 17, 2019
Sherri,
you were one of the most lovely people I ever met. The two prayer paintings you did for me are on my bedroom wall and I read them every night before I say my prayers. You will live in my heart forever.
Susan and Dave Curtis
Denise Motto
May 17, 2019
Love and will miss you,always Your Foolish Pleasure...at Sherris Place!
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