Cheri Lee White

Cheri (Reardon, Elkins) White passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her two children, Stephen and Heather, after a courageous battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Cheri was born in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of Jeanette Gifford and Stephen Tyler. After graduating high school, she married Harry Elkins and they started their family. Tragedy struck a few months after they married, and Cheri was left to raise their children on her own, which she did with grace, strength, courage, and immense love for her children.

Cheri was an avid seamstress and would make her children's school clothes and Halloween costumes when they were young, and as they got older would help make costumes for their school plays, musicals, and show choir events. As adults, Cheri made costumes for the community theatre plays and musicals she and her children participated in.

Over the last few years, Cheri's passion became making wire wrapped jewelry with glass beads and semi-precious stones. Cheri loved the ocean and being on the water and was able to spend time at her favorite place in Maine, Jonesport, prior to her passing. She also adored all animals, particularly horses and donkeys.

Cheri is survived by her children, Stephen Elkins and Heather Elkins; her fur babies, Noel and Anabelle; her grandkitties, Megan, and BrandiSue; her aunt, Linda Hansen; her cousin, Debbie Laurie; and her son, Jacob Cyr.

Cheri was predeceased by her first husband, Harry Elkins; her second husband and love of her life, Robert S. White; her father, Stephen Tyler; her mother, Jeanette Larez; her stepfather, Rudolph Larez; and her best friend, Lisa Dempsey.

Stephen and Heather would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Altunel, Dr. Snyder, and the amazing nurses and social workers at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute whose compassion and support made it possible for us to navigate Cheri's cancer journey.

Stephen and Heather would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and the PT and OT staff at Northern Light EMMC Grant 5 who worked tirelessly to make Cheri's final 2 weeks on this earth as comfortable as possible, and finally a special thanks to Beacon Hospice nurse, Crystal, and Dr. Seay who provided kindness and support in Cheri's final hours on this earth.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in loving memory of Cheri White to Peace Ridge Sanctuary, A loving home for neglected and abused animals. Checks can be mailed to 1111 Littlefield Road, Brooks Maine 04921 or go to https://peaceridgesanctuary.org/donate/