Cheri Jean D'Innocenti

Cheri Jean (Barnes) D’Innocenti passed away peacefully on May 14th at her home in San Jose, CA. Cheri was born in Sacramento to Earl and Virginia Barnes. Eventually they moved to San Jose with Cheri and her three sisters- Elaine, Joyce, and Julie. She attended Notre Dame high school. After obtaining a job at the rectory of St. Joseph’s in downtown San Jose, she met her husband- Dennis. He conveniently worked across the street at his parents’ delicatessen, The Parisian. Delivering food to the rectory gave them a chance to meet and get to know each other. They married on December 30, 1966 at Sacred Heart Church in San Jose. They spent the next 58 years together building a home and family. In the beginning, they continued to work at the Parisian Delicatessen for many years. Eventually both went on to pursue other careers. In the meantime, they welcomed three little girls into their family. They were kept busy with dance classes, recitals and all their projects and pursuits. Cheri especially loved her Thursday nights when Dennis would watch all of the kids and she could go out with her sisters. A little walking around Eastridge Mall (the biggest at the time), window shopping and coffee- of course!

Later she attended Evergreen College and earned an AA degree in Early Childhood Education. After time as a preschool teacher and director, she opened her own home daycare where she lovingly cared for many, many children over the years. Nieces, nephews, cousins all went to Cheri’s during the day. After retiring she could be found drinking her never ending cup of coffee and… reading a “cozy mystery”, watching Hallmark movies, bragging about her grandchildren (by far her favorite thing to do) and volunteering for “Donate For Life”. She wanted to give back to the transplant organization as her husband had been lucky enough to receive a heart transplant.

Cheri is survived by her three daughters and their families: Jill and Brian Davis, Lynn and Keith Sadanaga and Jean and Oboh Aigbehi. Truly the lights of her life were her grandchildren: Ashley, Heather and her husband Isaac, Omodiaogbe (Jacob), Oseghale (Lucas) and Alen. She could be counted on to spoil them at every chance she had. Treats (especially Starbucks or burgers), phone calls and “help with the parents” were her specialties. As she said on more than one occasion, she had been waiting patiently for a great grandchild. All her friends had one, after all. Shortly before she passed away her wish had been granted. She was excitedly waiting to meet this baby in November. She will be watching from heaven when he/she arrives.

Please Contact the family to get details about the memorial service.