It is with extremely heavy hearts to announce the sudden passing of Cynthia (Cindy) Dawn van Leeuwen who left us too soon on December 23rd.
To say that this amazing woman has touched the hearts of over 1000 people is less than an understatement.
Not only was she the wife and a best friend to
her husband Gerald van Leeuwen married since August 30th 1975, she
is also survived by her two children Tiffany and Curtis (Laura) her two grand
sons Ivan and Keagan, two sisters Donna (Allen) and Linda (Wayne), and so many
other family members, weather they were nieces and nephews, in-laws, or just
wonderful friends. Everyone was an
extended family member to Cindy. She is
now spending her days in heaven with her parents Ivan and Martha, crashing into
all sorts of things trying to figure out how to fly with her new wings.
Cindy had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up a room. She was always telling jokes or stories and
making people laugh. When she wasn’t
busy working at Your Independent Grocer she was being the best wife, parent,
sister, grand parent, aunt or friend anyone could ask for. She was always there and ready with a cup of
tea or a glass of wine for you. She lived
to play all sorts of games but card games were her favourite.
She was truly the life of every party and so many people are blessed to have
amazing memories of this wonderful woman.
Even if you got to only experience meeting her for a short time, you
will remember her and her generous personality.
Her spirit will greatly be missed, especially during all of the holidays
as she would go extra and above for every single one.
While we could go on for ages about Cindy, we would like to leave the stories
for when we do her celebration of life.
Due to the trying times right now, we are aiming for something hopefully
this summer and will announce a date at a later time.
Until then, please raise your glass and do a “cheers” for Cindy in her
honour.
In lieu of flowers, we do ask that you please make a donation to a nice bottle of
wine for yourself. Just kidding, (well
maybe not) but please to a charity of your choice as she would not want any
getting left out.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
18 Tributes
I am so sad to hear this news about Dear Cindy. We were fortunate enough to visit with her when we were in BC. We had a wonderful visit and always a few good laughs. I will miss her very much. I have so many wonderful memories of her when we were kids. I am grateful for that ….Dear God; wrap your loving arms around this Lady and tell her how much we love her, and may she rest in Paradise forever…. Sending hugs and love to Gerry and the Kids…Cousin Terri xo
Dear Cindy’s family –
Cindy’s stories, her values, and her love of family all live on in you…what a wonderful legacy.
I remember many good times with Cindy. We always had something to laugh about. Dancing was a common event when we were together. So fun, except the time she dipped me, thinking she would be able to hold me up, and she dropped me into my mother-in-law’s (Pat McDonald) glass bar. No injuries, but just about got disowned from the family. Cindy may not have had much physical strength but she definitely had much strength in other areas such as humour and kindness. I feel blessed to have known Cindy.
We feel like we lost a sister as we where always treated as such.That she has gone too her Mom and Dad makes it a little easier but we needed her here with us and her husband and family a little longer.
We will miss her terribly and will always be with us in spirit and Cindy please try not to bruise your wings to bad love ❤️ you always Jim and Ann
Sometimes you don’t know how much you love someone until they are gone.:(
We will have Cindy stories to tell for a long time, she will not be forgotten. Parties she hosted and games she played always so much laughter!
I am so very sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. I had the pleasure of working for years alongside Cindy at Unisys and have many, many great memories of those years and all the fun and laughs we had. My heart goes out to her entire family!
Cindy, I proudly raise a glass to you and wish you peace and love my friend.
My condolences to All who love her
I worked with Cindy for a few years and absolutely loved seeing her before my shift started, she always made me happy!
The tribute her loved ones wrote is amazing and so true. She loved each and every one of you just as fiercely. Fly High ~*~cindy~*~
My wife and I had the privilege of working with Cindy for many years at Extra Foods .Always quick with a smile and cheerful no matter what Cindy brought a great spirit to the workplace .Ellen and I send our heartfelt condolences to Cindys family and friends
❤ i worked with cindy
Since 2002 I think it was.She was apart of our special work family group. We love and will miss you greatly. I’m glad I heard from you and of October or so. I love you. Sending loves and hugs to Gerry,kids,grandkids and family.
Love anna
Cindy was for sure the sunshine in any room she entered. Working with Cindy for many years was such a gift. The lunch room was always filled with laughter if you were lucky enough to be in there the same time she was. Cindy alway greeted you with the biggest smile and total attention as she would ask you how your family was,she truly was a wonderful friend and made sure you knew how important you were to her. We all loved her. With a broken heart l say good by.
Love to all the family
Lisa,Bob&Katreena
Cindy was a beautiful soul and had a heart of gold. I will never forget the stories she told and how she told them. She could make anyone laugh, no matter what mood they were in. The world lost a sweet angel and everyone who has met Cindy has been blessed by her kindness. My condolences to her family and friends.
Cindy was a ray of sunshine I had the incredible pleasure of working with her for very short period of time at your independent grocer! She would always put a smile on my face and everyone around her and she always had amazing stories. I very sorry to the family for there loss she was truly an amazing lady and she will be very missed. ❤️
My condolences. Cindy has such a great heart.
Oh my dear Cindy, I am saddened to hear of your passing .you were such a kind , friendly and funny person.i am so glad I had the pleasure of working with you.i was hoping we were going to get together again at Lisa,s for our lunch get together with the ladies.you will be missed .my sympathy to your family.
Dear Jerry, Tiffany, Curtis and Family
Our hearts are broken, as are yours. We have known your family for over 25 years as great
neighbors and friends.Since moving to Kelowna 3 years ago,we have missed our times together and were so happy and grateful that you blessed us with your visits. Cindy was a very special person,always willing to do whatever she could to help you out. She was so helpful to us when we were packing up to leave Kamloops, the day before we left she stayed with me to the very end, late into the evening cleaning, and helping me with last minute things. There were many tears that night. So, to all of the Van Leeuwen family, Cindy was a love, we will miss her, our condolences to all of you, you are in our hearts and our prayers. Rest in Peace Cindy.
Eileen, Wayne, Mike, Andi and Ben Harvey
I knew Cindy from the Looney store days and always looked forward to seeing her and Linda when I was filling the card rack. I can’t believe she is gone. My heart aches for you, her family. What I will remember, though, is her wonderful smile!
Deepest condolences to Gerry and Family. We are glad to have met such a wonderful woman. She touched everyone she met and made them feel part of the family. I am certain she is smiling down at us. We miss you.
Oh my goodness, saddest news to hear. We met Cindy on a few occasions and yes I can recall what others are describing as a ray of sunshine.
To your family Cindy our deepest condolences, you will be missed.
Cheers to you and all you have shared with others and thank you for sharing that joy.
Our hearts hurt for those who are missing you each day.
So sorry to read of your loss, a lady with a heart of gold has crossed over to share her love elsewhere.