Cynthia "Cindy" Anderson

Cynthia “Cindy” Anderson, 70, died suddenly on November 19 in her Appleton, WI home. She was born into a loving family on August 23, 1952 in Pontiac, IL, the youngest of three sisters. Cindy had an idyllic childhood, embraced by friends and a doting family. She earned an advanced degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University and served the ISU Turner Childcare Center as head teacher. It was there that Cindy met Brian Anderson to whom she was married for 44 years. 

Cindy and Brian moved to Appleton in 1980 where they raised their three daughters. Cindy delayed her teaching career to love and nurture her own children at home before doing the same for others as a first grade teacher at Greenville Elementary School. She taught there with her arms open and her heart full for twenty years before retiring in 2018 to enjoy life as a full-time grandmother. 

Music was a particular joy in Cindy's life. To answer a calling from within, Cindy began taking harp lessons shortly after moving to Appleton, eventually playing at weddings and social gatherings throughout central Wisconsin, accompanying choral events, and teaching students in her home for many years. She especially loved playing music with others.

Cindy enjoyed traveling with her husband, always including music and theatre events along the way. Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre in Chicago and the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL were among her favorites. At home Cindy loved to cook, bake sweets for her grandchildren, read, and garden.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Pauline Donovan. She is survived by her sisters Terry (Bob) Bishop, Bloomington, IL and Vicki (Mike) Mortimore, Niles, MI; her daughters Jennifer (Wes) Cairns, Elma, WA, Carrie (David) Snopek, Appleton, and Kristin (Tanner) Solberg, Appleton, six granddaughters and three grandsons.

Cindy was a child of God, filled with love and mercy. She’ll be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

A visitation will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton on Monday November 28, 4:00-7:00 P.M. Visitation will also be held at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North St., Appleton on Tuesday November 29 at 11:00 A.M., followed by the service at noon. A graveside gathering will be held at Riverside Cemetery, 714 N Owaissa St., Appleton on Tuesday November 29 at 3:00 P.M.

Please consider memorials in Cindy’s name to musicmissionappleton.org or First English Lutheran Church.