With a mixture of love and reflection, we announce the passing of Cynthia Lee Lemke on September 13, 2024. Born on January 31st, 1971 in Stevens Point, WI, she was a woman defined by her independence, unyielding spirit, and fierce determination, carving out a path of her own wherever she went.

Our relationship with her was layered, often difficult, yet undeniably formative. In her own way, she showed us how to navigate the world with resilience. We choose to remember her for the strength she carried, the passion with which she lived, the jokes she shared, and the lessons we learned from both her presence and her absence. While there were many complexities between us, the love she held was always there. She had a unique spirit, and will be remembered by all who knew her.

At times the roles between us were shifted, and we often found ourselves caring for her, bound not by a perfect understanding, but by the ties that life had woven. In her final days, as written in *My Baby You’ll Always Be,* “I held her hand, just as she had once held mine. In that moment, roles reversed, but the love remained constant.” Hers is not a story of things coming full circle, but one of acceptance, grace, and the transcendence of love, finding a way to offer care even where wounds had been left behind.

Her passing on Friday the 13th, a day steeped in the divine feminine, reminds us of the cycle of death and rebirth—a reminder that even in endings, there is space for transformation. On this day, we honor her journey—both the beautiful and the difficult—and the ways in which she contributed to our lives. Her life, though complex, is part of the tapestry that forms who we are today. We acknowledge the intricacies of our connection and carry forward the best parts of her spirit; honoring her in a way that reflects the truth of our relationship: by carrying forward her strength, and finding our own healing in the process.

She is now at peace, having found her resting place, reunited with Howard Lemke, held once again by her parents, Lorraine and Paul Theisen. In quiet moments, she is with her dear friend Cheryl, and finds comfort in the presence of her grand-fur baby, Luna. While her journey was often solitary, her story remains part of ours, and in that, we honor the pieces of her that endure.

She is survived by her children, EmmaLee Lemke & Zachary Trzebiatowski, her step-children, Sonja & Nathan Kuring, her grandchildren & step-grandchildren, Soraya, Jolie, Floyd, Quinn, and Violet, her biological father Frank Trzebiatowski, and siblings, Geralyn Brown, Rebecca (Mike) Fabyan, Elizabeth (Jason) O’kon, Terrance Trzebiatowski, her step-siblings Kathi, Paul, Chuck, Karla and their respective families, and her significant other Peter. Her memory remains with those who knew her, for all that she was.

In honor of Cindi’s life, the family has chosen not to hold a formal service at this time. For those who wish to honor her memory, we ask that donations or flowers be sent to St. Clare Health Mission—a place that held deep meaning to Cindi, and is a group of individuals who reflect her spirit of compassion. The family extends their profound gratitude to Barb, a devoted community health worker, and to all who walked alongside Cindi throughout her journey.

Special thanks to the staff at Mayo Clinic Hospital, who came to know Cindi well and treated her with unwavering compassion and dignity. Deep appreciation is also extended to Coulee Region Cremation Group for their delicate care and to the Weiser family for their remarkable generosity. Lastly, to the many strangers with giving hearts, who offered their help without knowing the impact they made—your quiet kindnesses are forever a part of her story. Each of you has woven a thread of love into Cindi’s legacy.