Cynthia Makens Fearnley – 1972 – 2011
We lost one of the good ones yesterday. Not only was Cindy physically imposing at 6 feet tall, she was just as spiritually imposing. I met her a couple of years ago, when she was dealing with the spread of cancer that had started in October, 2006. She didn't seem in the least intimidated by the state of her health, or by anything else. She didn't look at all sick, she looked healthy and vibrant and open.
And that's the way she was – big of spirit, totally intent on handling What's Now. From organizing her six younger brothers and sisters in plays (at a very early age) to creating a very well known golf course in Norway alongside her husband, Nils. Cindy liked being in the thick of things, multi-tasking, project managing … and caring for others was a current that flowed underneath and through all aspects of her life.
As you can see from her picture, she was also beautiful. Her daughter Sonia is almost 8, and her son William is almost 5. I had the privilege of hanging out with her for a few days just before she passed peacefully from this life. I was amazed yet again at the strength of her spirit, even as her body weakened … holding hands with her family and friends, receiving spontaneous prayers from hospital staff.
Her friend Helene came with her from Norway, missing the holidays with her own family. When she told her husband and children that she wanted to come with Cindy to the States, they said, "We also love Cindy and want her to have you by her side." That's the depth of friendship Cindy inspires.
Diana, her mom and my friend, has been by her side all the way, literally by her side for months … in Norway, Mexico, and California, spelled by Bill, her father, and Katie, her sister. Then early this month, all her brothers and sisters and their spouses and children rallied around her bedside, taking turns being at the hospital during the night. The love that unites the Makens Family is touching, reminding me of the best that *family* can offer.
Sending love and prayers for Cindy and all of her *Family*.
Ann,
I was one of Cindy’s many high school friends. Your beautiful words definitely capture the memories I have of her, thank you.
Please pass on my condolences, she will always be a bright star.
Frank
I’ll always remember our Vis days together and our trip to Mexico. Your smile will forever warm my heart. Love Brooke
Dear Maken family, No words can express the sorrow and pain you must feel in the loss of your daughter, Cindy. Our thoughts and prayers to you, her family, as well as her little children and her husband. God Bless all of you and may you find comfort during this most difficult time.
Sincerely, Fran, John Lamey and family. Sunfish Lake, MN.
Thank you Ann for your lovely words. She will surely be missed dearly.
Thank you Ann for your lovely words. She will surely be missed dearly.
Thank you, Ann. Lovely words about a lovely woman, for a loving family.
Jenny
Exquisite hands … an angel on earth …
May her Spirit rest in peace and her family conforted by this love…in the here and now and across infinity …
Thank you for sharing her story … about her enduring, loving and graceful spirit as well as that of her family and friends…
It passes on a message of love, faith and hope…
in that …
which remains…
Thank you Ann and without ever knowing this amazing women, I feel sorrow for the loss her family is bearing. She clearly was someone of tremdous spirit and courage. My deepest love and condolences to her family from afar across the pacific.
love Susan Woodhouse
life is tough but we must be strongm
I didn’t know Cindy but was at WOW 1 with her mother, Diana in 1998. Through Diana, I’ve seen pictures over the years of Cindy and Nils. She was definitely “one of the good ones”. We know it is her physical presence that is missed for she is eternally amongst all of us.
Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
UO UO UO UO….BECAUSE OF YOU,I KONW HOW YOU WILL FEEL…..
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I remember Cindy ever so fondly. She was one of the few genuine people that would never treat anyone like an outcast. I am proud to say she was a true friend. I remember being invited to her house to swim on summer vacations, I had the best time there. Our moms, Diana and Diane, would hang out poolside and supervise the herd of kids invited over together with all the sibs, and sometimes even jump in the pool with us for a game of Marco Polo – they are still friends to this day. While many of our classmates picked on me – she showed me friendship. I can only imagine the wonderful wife and mother she became, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for her.
Thanks for teaching me how to backflip from the springboard Cindy….I’ll miss you.
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My deepest love and condolences to her family from afar across the pacific.
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While many of our classmates picked on me – she showed me friendship.
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