On August 29, 2013, Cindy was released from her pain and suffering, and God welcomed a well deserving, special angel.
Cindy was born June 17, 1957 and was raised in Eton Rugby, Ontario. She attended school at Oxdrift Public before moving “out west” with her family, eventually settling in Medicine Hat.
Cindy was an honest, hard working woman who believed in fair play. Her ticket (and extreme talent) in welding, led her to a career with the Trans Canada pipeline, eventually as a Supervisor in the Field. This career also gave her the opportunity to work all over western Canada where she made many lasting friendships with men and women, alike. She will be fondly remembered by all of those co-workers. Ill health eventually forced Cindy into early retirement, from a job she loved and was well respected for.
Cindy was an exceptionally talented athlete, excelling on the pitcher’s mound of a baseball field. She, along with her sister Julie as her catcher, led her Medicine Hat Ladies Fastball team to the provincial finals, capturing the title several times. In 1990, she took her team to the Western Canadian Finals in White Horse, returning with Silver medals. She was a team player both on and off the field and her accomplishments are many. Cindy won many individual awards through her 23 year baseball career: Three times she won Alberta’s “Provincial Pitcher” Award, Twenty-two “City” Pitcher Awards, an All-Star batting award and several League MVP Awards. She holds records in Medicine Hat that have stood since 1988, for pitching: 108 strike outs, 15 walks & 47 hits. Her average pitching speed was 82 mph, although it was clocked in the 90’s when Julie “wound her up”! At the same time, she shared her talents with up and coming girls who wanted to learn the “art of pitching”. In her off-season, she loved to play pool . . . placing 5th at the Canadian Finals and together, with Julie they placed 32/325 in Vegas!
Cindy’s talents were far more and beyond her athletic abilities. She was a talented musician, playing the piano, accordion and most favourite by far, the guitar. She loved to knit and many family members were recipients of her beautiful sweaters.
Friends from Eton Rugby and Oxdrift remember that beautiful smile, her laugh, her honesty, her commitment to friends. She never left anyone behind and had a reputation for being the one to carry the rest home. She loved to dance and sing and we all got to enjoy it.
Family was very important to Cindy. Being a Mom and Grandmother were highlights of her life. She was an amazing chef and loved nothing more than to gather everyone together for a feast and time of sharing.
Cindy lived with the pain and debilitating effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past 20 years, eventually having to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Her life became one of physical struggles, but she continued to live it with a positive attitude. Her biggest regret was no longer being able to play her guitar, which she loved and did with great talent. On August 21, during a routine exam, Doctors discovered that cancer had ravaged Cindy’s body as well. It was just too much to overcome and one short week later, God accepted her into his arms.
A gathering of remembrance for Cindy was held in Medicine Hat, on September 6th. She has left a big void in many lives and will be missed by family and friends from all over Canada.
In closing, we would like to share a poem, written for Cindy by her life-time friend, Charlie Barton
Cindy-Lou
Such good old days, from way back when,
As we played together, time and again.
When great imagination, was our only guide,
Making us strong, and building our pride.
Times were tough, but strong we became,
Enough to help others, who struggled the same.
A role model she was, and always will be,
As now she will be there, whether or not we see.
One has only to remember, how she impacted our life,
Through thick and thin, through struggles and strife.
No more pain, for the angel that is she,
This inspiration to others: good-bye, Cindy
Messages of condolences may be forwarded to the family at:
julieromat@gmail.com or # 2- 422 5th Street SE, Medicine Hat AB. T1A-0N1