The term “celebration of life” is often just a polite euphemism for a subdued memorial for a departed loved one.
But there was nothing subdued about Cheryl Cates — or the gathering that packed Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The Dec. 2 musical celebration of her life, held on the first anniversary of her loss, was a party she would’ve loved — with a purpose to make her proud.
A dozen or so local musicians played tributes to one of the island’s biggest fans of live music while a slideshow of Cheryl’s life streamed on a giant screen behind them. Friends and relatives shared stories and memories over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Cheryl Cates was a successful Realtor, devoted mother, community activist and longtime First Lady of Key West, married to her high school sweetheart Craig Cates, former Key West mayor and a current county commissioner.
She died from COVID on Dec. 2, 2020. Their daughter, Crystal, also valiantly battled the virus for several months, but died on June 24, 2021, at the age of 35.The Cates family has launched the Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation to continue Cheryl’s legacy of compassion in action by raising money and providing grants to improve the lives of families and kids in Monroe County and meet needs that aren’t addressed by other agencies. For more information, visit cherylcates.org.
Photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
