Why Erica Cherney Was The Everything
/Peterborough has lost one of its finest citizens ever, as Erica Cherney has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully in her Peterborough home on Tuesday morning (August 16th) surrounded by her three children Mike, Karen and Rich.
Cherney was a businesswoman, but first and foremost an amazing community ambassador—an extraordinary person. She had a great personality and sense of humour, and was a huge and feisty champion—cheerleader—of everything Peterborough. Her smile would light up a room, and her passion for the city and people was contagious and inspiring. She was a true humanitarian—Carleton University awarded her a prestigious 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Alumni Award in recognition of her leadership and service to the community.
Photo by Terry Guiel
Erica was vital to Peterborough across all areas—business, community, economic development, the arts, philanthropy.
"Erica was a champion of not only the downtown but Peterborough as a whole," says DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel about his mentor and friend. "I am hard pressed to think of a single person more loved, respected and vital to this community then Erica."
Erica pictured with her good friend Terry Guiel
As the owner and partner of Cherney Realty in Peterborough, Cherney received numerous awards and honours during her lifetime, including:
• Ontario Bicentennial Medal for her volunteer work, 1984
• YMCA’s Woman of the Year, 1987
• Citizen of the Year – Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, 1999
• Honorary Degree from Trent University, 2005
• Rotary Club of Peterborough Paul Harris Fellow, 2011
• Lifetime Achievement Award by Homegrown Homes, 2011
• Woman of the Decade, Peterborough Examiner, 2012
• Queen’s Jubilee Medal, 2012
Erica inspired so many women, like Maryam Monsef (at left) & Jasher Guiel (at right)
The Community Foundation of Peterborough tweeted out this about her impact...
Mayor Bennett said this about her in a tweet...
Erica pictured with Paul Rellinger
Erica served in leadership and board member roles for numerous organizations, including the Downtown Business Improvement Association, United Way, Showplace Peterborough, Peterborough Symphony, Peterborough Arts Council, Arbor Theatre Foundation, New Stages Theatre, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Vice-Chair of TVO, United Israel Appeal (earning an honour for her work), Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough Utilities Board, Peterborough Civic Hospital and the Ontario Audio Library Board.
Photo by Jessica Melnik
This is an immeasurable loss for our community, but the impact she had on this city will never be forgotten and has inspired generations of people she mentored.
Share your thoughts and memories of Erica with us on our Facebook page.
Watch this amazing interview Megan Murphy did with Erica in March 2015...
