Dr. Cheryl DeSafey Blume's Obituary
Cheryl DeSafey Blume, our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, went home to her Lord and Savior, on April 1, 2026.
She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Renee Blume, and Dr. Lindsay Irene Blume (Douglas Carmody); grandchildren, Annabelle Joy Gutowski, Daniel David Gutowski, Corrie Cheryl Blume, Theodore James Paul Blume, Lydia Michelle Carmody, and Elliot Adam Carmody; her sister, Dr. Karen DeSafey Liller (Ronald Glickman); and cherished niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Irene Elizabeth DeSafey and Thomas DeSafey; and her treasured sister, Lisa Irene Jaap.
She was born on July 13, 1951, in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania to Irene and Thomas DeSafey. She received her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from West Virginia University. Upon graduation, she began her career with Mylan Pharmaceuticals eventually becoming Vice President of Scientific Affairs. She remained at Mylan until she moved to Florida with Mylan’s daughter company, Somerset Pharmaceuticals where she served as the Chief Operating Officer. She later founded Pharmaceutical Development Group, a consulting firm that assisted national and international companies through the FDA regulatory process and provided expert testimony in major mass tort cases serving victims. She was a part of over 100 ANDAs, NDAs, and INDs. She is the inventor of multiple patents both domestically and internationally. She is published in multiple scientific journals and testified before Congress. She also served as an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of South Florida in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology.
While Cheryl was extremely proud of her distinguished and brilliant career, her family was the light of her life. Her daughters, sisters, and parents were her best friends. Every weekend was spent with family, and she never missed a school event for her children or grandchildren despite working around the clock. She enjoyed traveling, a good suit from Dillard’s and always had a hard back book in her hands. Becoming a grandmother was her greatest joy, and she reminded her grandkids often that they are her gift from God. She was a faithful member of Village Presbyterian Church. She served for multiple terms as an ordained Elder, finance chair, Church treasurer, and Sunday School teacher throughout her life. She would always provide for anyone in need and gave beyond measure.
While our family grieves over our devastating loss, we rejoice knowing that she is walking with our Lord, reunited with family, and secure in the life eternal.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in her honor be made to the Community Food Pantry, at Village Presbyterian Church (https://www.thecommunityfoodpantry.com)
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