Cheryl Ellenby-Harris

Cheryl Ellenby-Harris

Rarely has one person offered such beauty and generosity on which so many have relied. The essence of Cher was elegance, love, generosity and devotion to her family, friends and community. To know her was to feel her support, grace and goodness. To love her was the greatest privilege shared by her family and friends.

Cher, age 72 of Minneapolis passed away February 5, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Herman and Joy Ellenby. Survived by husband, Scott Harris; son, Hugh Harris (Amy); daughter, Sophie Harris Vorhoff (Harry); grandchildren, Ferrin and Micah Harris, Felix and Rosie Vorhoff; brother, Marc Ellenby (Kiki); sister, Dana Ellenby Bergeron (Art); and many loving relatives and friends.

Radiant describes Cher in all she did throughout her life. She was born and raised in Chicago. Following graduation from the University of Illinois, she worked as an occupational therapist, largely serving children and stroke victims. She moved to Minneapolis with her beloved husband, Scotty, shortly after they were married. And it was in Minneapolis that Scotty and Cher created a world of new friends who became family, and were joined by old Chicago friends who moved with them to Minneapolis. She even encouraged her mother in law, Fay, to move to Minneapolis and become part of her heart and home.

In Minneapolis, Cher re-made herself professionally. She combined her care for people with her creativity and style to become a successful interior designer, encouraging clients to appreciate the beauty of color and elegance. Those characteristics became Cher’s trademark, as were evidenced in her own home. And the beauty of her surroundings was only surpassed by her hospitality. Her warmth, creative tablescapes and gorgeous home cooked meals were loved by all and offered in abundance, as she entertained her friends and family endlessly. Her fridge was always full and her door was always open as a second home for her children' s friends.

Cher loved her life in Minneapolis. She shared her talents with many community and Jewish organizations with gusto and pride. She was a lover of the outdoors and always could be spotted running, hiking, or biking around the city’s lakes and parks.

But no roles in Cher’s life meant more to her than those of wife, mother and “Shasha” to her four grandchildren. Her devotion to family, and her family’s boundless adoration, are her greatest legacies. Our light now resides in the warmth and love of her spirit and memory that live within us always.

Funeral Service SUNDAY, Feb. 9, 2025 at 2:00pm at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Ave. S., Mpls. Also on zoom at www.hodroffs.com/CherHarris (direct link below)
SHIVA: Sunday, 6:00pm at Temple Israel

Donations can be made to Trust for Public Land - Minnesota at bit.ly/3EoQaoa (direct link below) or by mailing a check made out to "Trust for Public Land" with "for Minnesota in memory of Cher Harris" in the memo line to:

Trust for Public Land
2610 University Ave W, Suite 300
Saint Paul, MN 55114