Cherine "Cherie" Bruce Schofield

After 77 years of a life animated by love, tenderness, joy, curiosity and compassion, Cherine (Cherie) Bruce Schofield joined our Lord in heaven on Tuesday, April 21st, while surrounded by loving family and friends. Cherie was born in Hutchinson, KS but spent most of her life in Baton Rouge, LA.

Cherie is survived by her endlessly devoted husband of 47 years, Otha (Lynn) Schofield. Lynn tirelessly dedicated himself to Cherie’s well-being throughout two battles with breast cancer separated by 30 years. She met Lynn at work and likened his striking eyes, sharp features and steady confidence to “her Clint Eastwood”. She is survived by their son Grady Schofield, daughter Lane Schofield Whipple, their spouses Diana and Daniel, her loving brother Scott Bruce and his wife Jeannie. Cherie was the eldest child of Donald and Donna Bruce, who preceded her in death. With a child-like heart of her own, Cherie’s three surviving grandchildren, Andersen Whipple, Lily Schofield and Wesley Schofield, were her ultimate life passion.

Marrying Lynn also blessed Cherie with many God-sent sisters- and brothers-in-law, both surviving and preceding her, as well as beloved nieces and nephews, some of whom grew to be like children of her own. Special mention must be made of Hope Chandler Smith who offered Cherie and Lynn steadfast support in the hardest of times. Cherie was also survived by a treasured sisterhood of friends, of whom there are too many to name, but who are known.

God gave Cherie a relentless drive to elevate children and lead those astray back into the fold, as evidenced from her sociology studies at LSU and her career path as a children’s teacher and social worker. Her energy was always directed to service of those in need and those most vulnerable, whether human or the smallest of animals. Her heart thrived by virtue of extending her compassion to all God’s creatures, great and small. She also volunteered countless hours to animal welfare organizations and rescued innumerable little ones who had fallen on hard times, some of whom flew away once mended and some of whom spent years as her furry companions.

While growing into her deeply-rooted Christian faith as a young woman, Cherie’s private spiritual journey exploring broad Christian traditions led her not only to a close relationship with Jesus Christ, but also to His Mother, Mary, with her pleaful prayers to Mary for surviving cancer long enough to raise young children being answered.

Cherie was gifted in embroidery and writing. Her written work included children’s books and a published auto-biography of her and her mother’s unique simultaneous battles with breast and ovarian cancer, titled Momma and Me. Cherie also operated multiple enterprises not meant for profit following her first experience with cancer, offering unique items ranging from therapeutic labyrinth pillows to specialty clothing meant to provide physical and emotional comfort for women’s distinctive needs following chemotherapy and mastectomy procedures. With a keen interest in geology, Cherie was an avid member of the Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society and enjoyed adventurous digging excursions whenever her health permitted. When her health no longer permitted, Lynn brought the excursions to her… by the truckload.

Later in life Cherie found her greatest enjoyment in nature, sitting on the porch with people she loved, bird-watching, and experiencing closeness with Christ in the warmth of his sunshine.

The family invites all to join them at Living Hope Fellowship located at 1180 South Flannery Road, Baton Rouge for visitation Saturday May 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life conducted by Bud Chandler. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.