Cindy Lou Shelstad, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, was 58 when she peacefully passed away on July 13, 2017. She had been a resident of Colorado Springs since 1972. She was born on March 12, 1959, to Jerome and Marlene (Richter) Shelstad, at Canby Hospital in Canby, Minnesota.
Cindy was baptized at Zacchaeus American Lutheran Church in Canby and was confirmed at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs. She graduated Mitchell High School in 1977 and married at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in 1978. At the age of 38, she returned to school, graduating in 2 ½ years with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude, all while working full-time and raising her daughters.
Cindy spent several years working with kids for a school district and after finishing her degree, she retired from working with adults and youth for the Colorado Department of Corrections; her last 14 years she was employed at Spring Creek Youth Services Center. Cindy always had an ability to connect with people from all walks of life – in triumph and tragedy. She made it her life’s purpose to create an impact and make a difference for others.
Cindy had a passionate, strong-willed spirit, with a love for life deep rooted in her heart. She had a tremendous fight in her and never let her health challenges dampen her enthusiasm for family, friends or experiencing new adventures. She enjoyed traveling and liked to get up and go – Colorado, Minnesota, Washington D.C., New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, Vegas, Mazatlan, Grand Cayman Islands, Jamaica and more!
Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Jerome Shelstad 2009; brother, Scott Shelstad 2016; grandparents, Albert and Myrtle Shelstad; grandparents, Carl and Anna Richter; and her Godmother, Carol Richter. She is survived by her mother, Marlene Shelstad; daughters, Nicole Paxton (Jason), Tiffany Paxton-Ceballos (Gregory), and Shannon Paxton (Raymond); three aunts, DeLaine Buck of Colorado, Marlys Swanson of Montana, and Delores Bormann of Minnesota; her Goddaughter, Rhonda Haukos of Minnesota; and many nieces, a nephew, and cousins, whom she enjoyed immensely.
Cindy will be remembered for her family get-togethers, contagious laughter, being a social butterfly, her scrapbook creations, stained glass and wreath handiworks, staying up late to chat, shopping in July for Christmas gifts, making her famous sugary pancakes, watching reality TV and listening to her favorite bands: the Bee Gees, America, the Eagles and Journey. She will forever be young at heart!
A Memorial will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel on July 22, 2017 at 3:00pm, officiated by Pastor Donnie Sturgill. A light reception is to follow at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Private Inurnment, Minnesota. Memorials in Cindy’s name can be sent to the American Diabetes Association.