Cindy Niemann

Cindy had an abundance of energy and love to share with the world. She spent her life caring for others, always making sure to have a little fun along the way.

Lucinda Kay was born on February 15, 1942, nicknamed “Cindy,” she started life in Terra Haute, Indiana, with her older sister Julie.

Cindy and Julie as young girls were rivals, but as they grew, they became more than sisters, they became best friends. They moved to Chicago with their parents as young girls and quickly adjusted to their new community. Cindy, who wore her hair in long braids, drew the attention of her new classmates, who liked to dip her braids in ink wells, causing her to eventually have to cut her hair.

Cindy, however, was not only the victim of pranks, she liked to play them herself. She and Julie were always concocting some sort of mischievous plan. Once, they even had an egg fight in the basement while their parents were away.

Julie and Cindy both attended Amundson High School in Chicago. While still attending high school, Cindy met a young man named Anthony Niemann and though he was four years older than her, she thought he was, “the cat’s meow.” She fixed him up with one of her girlfriends, but when that relationship ended, Cindy began dating Tony herself. Their relationship continued to grow for the next couple of years, and at the age of 20, Cindy and Tony decided to marry. They exchanged vows in a small ceremony at a beautiful Chicago church.

Two years after the wedding, Cindy gave birth to the first of the couple’s five children. While she remained home to care for them, Tony supported the family outside the home. Cindy also worked part-time to supplement the family income as a personal assistant to the Vice President of Continetal Bank in Chicago.

Late in the 1980's, Cindy and Tony divorced, making Cindy a single mother of five. To earn money, she took a job at Beltone Company. Though she did not make much, her children always came first. She supported them unconditionally in every way a mother could. When her son David was in a coma, for instance, Cindy remained by his side the entire time. Hers was the first face he saw when he awoke, a fact he would always remember. And when Cindy’s daughter Patricia developed pneumonia last year, it was Cindy that took care of her.

Needless to say, Cindy was a very involved parent. She wanted her children to feel loved, but she also wanted them to have fun. The kids often laughed at Cindy as she danced and sang around the kitchen. She never lost her childish sense of mischief and pulled more than her fair share of pranks around the house. One April fools day, for instance, she filled the milk pitcher with salt instead of milk. Cindy was always up for a good laugh, but her children knew when she meant business. She rarely lost her cool, but when she did, they knew they had better take her seriously. It wasn't only her own children that Cindy loved and took care of. She and Tony opened their home for several years to care for a foster child, little David. All of Cindy’s children appreciated her greatly and showed their love by taking her on trips or getting her special gifts.

In 1990, Julie convinced Cindy to leave Chicago so that they could once again be close to each other. Cindy relocated to Lawrence, where she began working as a CNA for Tendercare in Kalamazoo. Cindy was not shy about getting involved in the southwest Michigan community. Cindy attended church throughout her life making her religion a priority. She was a memeber at The Church in Chicago where she was active in many church events. One of her favorite events was the Ladies Tea gatherings that she enjoyed hosting in her home. She loved getting out her best china and making everything just right for the event. Cindy eventually found a new church home at the Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church where you would find her in regular attendence on Sunday mornings.

During her free time Cindy enjoyed immersing herself in a variety of cultural activities. She loved theatre, opera, shopping, and going out to dinner. She was not opposed to some quiet time at home though, where she could watch the Food Channel, Court TV, or Dan Abrams on MSNBC. She also enjoyed reading biographies and travel books. She did quite a bit of research on England, though she never had the opportunity to visit.

Cindy retired from Tendercare after 14 years. Though her illness did not allow her to continue her work any longer, everyone was in awe of the fact that she was able to work as long as she did. But Cindy loved her work and loved being able to help others. She spent her time just as she wanted to, refusing to give in.

Cindy Niemann died October 9, 2004. Members of her family include: her five children, David Niemann of Lawrence, Christopher Niemann, Patricia Niemann of Paw Paw, Daniel Niemann of Kalamazoo and Beth Ann Niemann of Arlington, Texas; one sister, Julie (Rodney) McKague of Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Cindy, view her Life Story Film, and visit with her family Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. at the Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church, where a celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m. Please visit Cindy’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Kairos Dwelling of Kalamazoo. Arrangements have been made by Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home™ - Paw Paw.

Cindy loved life and never took one moment for granted. She made sure to have fun every day and her positive attitude was infectious. Friends and family will always remember Cindy’s cheerful presence in their lives.