Cherie Nichols Anderson

October 25, 1944 - March 12, 2022

Cheryl "Cherie" Nichols Anderson, avid reader and gardener, lover of the arts and people, passes away in Brewster, Massachusetts on March 12, 2022.

Born in Waukegan, Illinois on October 25, 1944, Cherie spent her formative years with her mother and paternal grandparents while her father served in WWII. When Cherie turned six, the family moved to Corning, New York where she remained for the rest of her childhood.

A talented student, Cherie excelled at Corning Northside High School, particularly in mathematics and upon graduation, entered Bucknell University as an engineering student - a rare career choice for women at that time. But the pressure of being a female pioneer ended her engineering dreams and she drew on her nurturing spirit to graduate with a BA in Education.

During her time at Bucknell, she met the love of her life, Kenny Anderson. They were married January 29, 1966 during Winter Break of senior year. After graduating from Bucknell, they moved to Cambridge, MA while Kenny attended MIT with Cherie's support as a kindergarten teacher in the Watertown School system. After MIT graduation, they traveled extensively throughout Europe (on $5 per day) before settling in Canton, CT. For 34 years, they lived in and restored their 7-acre, 1848 farmhouse and raised two free-range daughters imbued with a love of nature.

Cherie loved all things that bloomed and all creatures great and small. She never met a stray she wouldn't adopt. An avid supporter of classical art, theater and music, she visited museums and concert halls around the world. In fashion, she felt the "sparklier" the better. She sought interesting and soulful friends; and admired those who followed their heart in their own way.

As she nurtured her young family, Cherie also served for many years as the Chairperson of the Zoning Commission for Canton, CT. During this time, she helped transition Canton from a rural Hartford retreat to an idyllic ex-urban residential community. Her legacy can be seen today.

After successfully introducing her daughters to the world, she joined a start-up, health management organization - ConnectiCare - as Manager of Provider Relations. Later she joined her husband's international engineering company as VP of Business Administration fulfilling both her engineering ambition and her desire to spend quality time with her husband.

Eventually, she and Ken bought a cottage in Eastham, MA and later bought and retired to the nationally registered Poore House in Brewster near her parents' home. While attending to her parents' elder needs, Cherie continued her passion for pets and gardens in this historic home.

Cherie leaves behind her beloved husband, Charles Kenneth Anderson, their two daughters, Samantha Bryce "Mandy" Anderson (Bill Williams), and Jennifer Lynn Goodwin (Trey Goodwin); and four cherished grandchildren, Bryce Anderson Williams, Reese Nichols Williams, Bradley Anderson Goodwin, and Meryl Ann Goodwin; brother William Nichols (Donna), sister Patricia Brewer (Philip) and nieces and nephews, Sammy-Jane, Jason, Brian, Josh, Abigail, and Caleb; as well as an extended network of relatives and friends. Cherie was preceded in death by her father, Perry Frederick Nichols, Jr., and her mother, Esther Mae (Stine) Nichols.

Cherie will always be remembered for her compassionate approach to life. Her strength and love live on in the lives of her daughters and grandchildren. In lieu of donations, please plant beautiful trees and flowers, tell people that you love them, and caress a pet if you have one.

A celebration of Cherie Anderson's life will be held in Brewster by invitation only, for questions please call Nickerson Funeral Home 508-255-0259. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com