Cynthia Rene Yanik- our beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend- passed away December 6, 2018 at her home in Colorado Springs after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Her devoted youngest sister and her forever faithful lab/retriever companion, Zach, were by her bedside and many other family members nearby.
“Cindy” was born December 13, 1972 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her family relocated to Alta Loma, California in 1983, where Cindy graduated from High School in 1990. She spent some time in Charlottesville, Virginia and Bloomington, Illinois with a sister, before moving near other family members in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2003. She considered Colorado to be her home since then.
Cindy had a successful 15-year career in the insurance industry, but her true passion was taking care of others. She moved to the Springs in 2013 to assist in the care of our father, during his battle with lung cancer. Following his passing, she joined Beo Personal Care as a companion and care giver until she received her own cancer diagnosis in March 2017. Even throughout her treatment, her focus was more on others than herself. Cindy spoiled us all with her boundless generosity. She had a playful sense of humor and her quick wit would often catch us off guard and send us into fits of laughter. Her six nieces and six nephews filled her with joy.
Cindy is preceded in death by her father, Stephen J. Yanik. She is survived by her mother, Mary Yanik of Colorado Springs; her grandmother, Mary Platt of Colorado Springs; her eight siblings: Debora Yanik of Chandler, Arizona; Barb (Eric) Combs of Fort Collins, Colorado; Rebecca (Duane) Slaman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Stephen Yanik of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Terry (Waleed) Grunden of Centennial, Colorado; Vincent (Jamie) Yanik of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Cecelia (Seth) Long of Alta Loma, California and Amanda (Greg Walker) Yanik of Loveland, Colorado; her nieces and nephews: Gregory Slaman, Tamara Combs, Cedric Grunden, Justin Slaman, Gabriel Grunden, Samantha Slaman, Nicki Combs, Aaron Yanik, Brianna Long, Alexis Yanik, Jeremiah Long, and Jordan Yanik.
Cindy’s bravery and determination in fighting her disease were an inspiration to anyone who knew her. Her bright spirit brought out the best in us. She will be forever loved, and forever missed.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Sunrise Methodist Church, 2655 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920 followed by interment of her ashes at 3:00pm at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Maria Rose
8 Dec 2018To the family and friends of Cynthia Rene Yanik, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to you for the loss of your beloved Cynthia. May you find peace as your beloved is now free from their long struggle with an illness that has taken the best of their life from you. I hope you can heal with the happier memories of Cynthia. Finally rest assured that our God and Father is not the source of Cynthia suffering and death (James 1:3). Very soon he will bring all unhappiness to an end, and return everyone who has died in His memory to us. Please read Revelation 21:3.4. Please feel free to visit jw.org for more comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Pete Townsend
9 Dec 2018Through my life long pen-pal friendship with Debby, I have always delighted in the love and appreciation of her extraordinary family through the communication we have long shared. From far away Australia, the entire Townsend clan are sending all our thoughts and prayers to you all at the passing of your dear sister. She lives on always in your hearts, and forever as pure, perfect light. With much love. x
Adam Walker
9 Dec 2018Thoughts and prayers with the entire Yanik family. Cindy was an amazing and inspirational person and had an incredible attitude and spirit.
Love to all of you from the Walkers – Claire, Adam, and Everett