Cherami N. Sumatra

With mixed feelings of deep sorrow and perfect peace, we announce the passing of our matriarch, Cherami Noble Sumatra, who was called to her forever home the evening of July 12. Her body was perfectly renewed and made whole again as she was received by her heavenly Father and welcomed by her husband, Felix. Born on October 12, 1941 she was one of nine children to Bienvenido and Amelia (Legaspi) Noble in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines. She married Felix on June 1964 and subsequently had 5 children. In 1973, she emigrated to the US, living in Queens NY and working for UNICEF. She eventually made her way to Chicago where she and Felix raised their 5 children (and where she was employed for over 20 years at St Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago as a Unit Secretary.) A devoted mother to five children and a loving grandmother to fourteen grandchildren she modeled what it means to be faithful, hardworking, hospitable and God-centered. She was widely known for her delectable meals and welcoming spirit. Her favorite phrase was “kaina”, Tagalog for “let’s eat” and certainly no one ever left her house hungry. She had a knack for remembering everyone’s birthdays and was a prayer warrior everyone could count on. She had a beautiful soprano voice and for a number of years was part of a traveling choral group. As the older daughter she was tasked with helping around the house and caring for her younger siblings while her parents earned a living. This is when she learned and honed her cooking skills that made her widely known for her pancit, kare-kare, adobo and other delectable dishes. She was like a second mother to her youngest sibling, Norman, whom she lovingly referred to as her first child. Her sister, Nani, was one of her best-friends whose devotion to her was unwavering, especially during the latter years. To so many nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances, she was lovingly called “Mommy Cherry”. Known for her sweet disposition, her loving nature and her amazing hospitality, she made everyone feel welcome and part of the family. And true to the meaning of her name (French for “dear friend”) she was that to so many. To know her was to love her and to be truly loved by her. Her passing has left a void but her legacy of generosity, hospitality and faith lives on in her children and grandchildren. Cherami is survived by her children: Daisy (Rando) Simeon, Allan (Evy) Sumatra, Orrin (Kim) Sumatra, Eileen (Kevin) Conners, Lowell (Kari) Sumatra, grandchildren: Brandon, Hannah, Cameron, Savannah, Matthew, Austin, Tara, Ethan, Madison, Cody, Amelia, Ava, Zachary and Mallory, and great grand-children: Keo and Kolt. She also leaves behind 6 brothers, 1 sister and a huge circle of family and friends. She will be greatly missed. The visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m., located at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440. A funeral service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. that evening. The burial will be private for her immediate family.

Cherami N. Sumatra

October 12, 1941 - July 12, 2024