Cindy "Bear" Anderson

It is with heavy and loving hearts that the family announces in the early morning of January 28, 2016, Cindy ‘Bear’ Anderson passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed quietly at home surrounded by loving family.

Cindy is survived by a loving family including her husband of 24 years Terry Uskoski, brother Arne and his wife Danielle Anderson. She was a very proud Aunt to their children Hanna, Magnus and Beck Anderson. She also leaves to mourn sister Marlene and her children Crystal and Johnny, mother-in-law Pauline Uskoski, 2 sisters-in-law; Cheryl Nolt and Linda Uskoski, as well as a long list of cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends. Cindy was predeceased by her mother Bev Lower, Grandmother Bea Lower and her Aunt Pat Tottle as well has her two beloved cats Maja and Muffin.

Cindy was born in Winnipeg on December 4, 1961. She spent the early years living in a variety of places including Winnipeg, Stonewall, Selkirk, Victoria eventually settling and calling Winnipeg home.

Cindy started her working life at McDonald’s on St. Anne’s Road, working her way up the corporate ladder to management. She moved on to work at Dominion Groceries at the Osborne Pembina junction in the Deli Department. The closure of Dominion Groceries led Cindy into the service industry starting at the famous Pickles Restaurant. Cindy excelled, as it was an opportunity for her bubbly, vivacious personality to shine. Subsequent years would see Cindy move to the big time of Times Night Club on Portage Avenue. These were the wild years; meeting many new friends and forming life long bonds that carried to present day. Times changed – Cindy moved to Jonathon’s Restaurant and Bar on St. Mary Avenue where she again forged strong lifelong bonds. It was at Jonathon’s where Cindy would meet her life partner Terry. Cindy eventually made a move away from the service industry and began working in the Deli at the St. Anne’s Superstore. In typical Cindy fashion she gave the job her all and excelled. Cindy would go on to take a role on Bison Drive as assistant Deli Manager soon to be the Deli Manager. She transferred stores to Gateway and eventually was appointed the Deli Manager for the new Superstore on St. James. Cindy loved her job, the people she worked with daily and gave everything she had every day. Cindy was in her 17th year with Superstore and worked her way to the second highest position as Key Holder.

Cindy was a creative force. The fortunate ones were rewarded with Cindy’s amazing crafts. She would sew, knit, crochet, cut, paint and create anything she set her mind to, and as those who knew her, knew it was a strong mind. Cindy never bought clothes, if she wanted a new shirt, she made it; new pants, made them; scarf, made it. She was a force and her work beautiful. Fabricland was her playground and her recent discovery of Ram Wool became a sanctuary for her, kindred spirits that spoke knitting.

Cindy loved skiing. She started locally but longed to try the mountains. She challenged her ‘intermediate’ skill with the best double black diamond runs that Sunshine could throw at her. That was Cindy, all in.

Cindy loved the outdoors. In the early years, it was in a canvas tent with Arne, Grandma, Mom, Uncle Keith and his 5 girls in St Ambrose. Grandma bought a trailer and it was camping in the trailer at Twin Beaches. In later years it was with Terry, backpacking into the backwoods of Manitoba’s great wilderness. It was in these places she would find peace and solace. Cindy and Terry had the pleasure of many summers at the cabin in the Whiteshell. This allowed Cindy to mix her love for the outdoors with the tranquility of cabin life. It became a place of comfort and peace.

Cindy loved her people. She cared for and loved Terry deeply. Her long lunches with Aunty Jean were a staple in her schedule. She made extra efforts to connect with people. She had many deep and long lasting friendships that spanned her life. Her friendships with Shaune and Jodi were so very important to her, like sisters, but better. Rarely do people have one friend like these women, as a testament to her, she had two. After her diagnosis it was these people who were her support – standing, sitting, lying and lifting her spirits through the tough journey. The truth of Cindy was her focus was on trying to lift our spirits.

Cindy’s giving character did not change in spite of her illness. She refused to let the illness change who she was. She continued to give of herself, her time and her talents in the support of others, despite her terminal prognosis. She took handmade gifts and special baking to the CancerCare folks, she sewed a new robe for Jodi, she planned, made special gifts and organized a surprise birthday party for Shaune, she taught Arne to make pickles, with Hanna, Magnus and Beck she planned and baked all their teacher’s holiday gifts; she spent countless hours knitting Arne a sweater; she always gave of herself selflessly.

To know her was a privilege; to receive her love was an honour.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all the care and support of the dedicated staff at CancerCare.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Winnipeg Humane Society – Cat Ward (Cindy Loved Cats).

Cindy’s Funeral Service – By Hanna Anderson

Hi I am Hanna Anderson and I am 13 years old and I have a fear of speaking in public - but you have to face your fears, and no one said I couldn’t try, right?

I have known my Aunty Cindy since the day I was born and I have known her to be crafty and funny and almost witch like…

When I was younger I was convinced that she was some type of witch and only came out on Halloween. Until that one year when she removed what I thought was her green skin off her face with a cloth and poof! Hanna learned about makeup. So here was a little girl who thought magic and miracles weren’t real. But the girl standing on in front of you right now is different and the same as that little girl standing on the sidewalk mesmerized by that green witch. Do not let anyone tell you that magic and miracles aren’t real. The magic to me was having her in my life and the miracle was how hard she fought and lived past the time she was expected to pass.

Yes, we will all miss her very much. I will miss the way she said ‘nifty’ and how she laughed. Mostly of all I will miss her face and the traditions we had with her. I feel that my relationship with her was very nifty.

I have come to realize that we always have memories playing in our heads - ones that make us sad, ones that make us laugh and smile.

You never really know how much you love someone until they’re gone.

Cindy’s Service

Welcome to the Celebration of Cindy - I want to start with a couple of acknowledgements - Caitlin and the staff here at Thomson Funeral Home – our burden was lessened thanks to your attention and professionalism; the staff at Cancer Care your compassion and angelic care eased the burden of Cindy’s journey; Terry – for your compassionate care in her final weeks ; the supplementary sister team – Jodi a true friend, partner in crime and her rock Shaune and her mom who were her support day in and day out – steadfast at her side

This will be hard, so please bare with me – I need the assistance of something. Many of you will recognize this as the sweater Cindy had been working on for the last year. This was Cindy – Selfless. She wanted to make me a sweater – imagine that – my limitless crafty sister devoting precious days of her dwindling time on this earthly place to the make of a sweater for her bro….but that was us and few of you could begin to understand the depth of our bond and love.

Cindy had a tough struggle but she faced it with dignity and strength – a strength and positivity unimaginable – her attitude and fight were inspirational –

There is a poem I read a long time ago – that has stuck with me over the last year and although my sister's looking down wondering why I am reading poetry – please indulge me as I read a few verses-

Do not go Gentle into that Good Night

Dylan Thomas, 1914 – 1953

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

The essence of this poem is about struggling to survive; pressing on to live as long as you can in the face of death, even if it means suffering.– this was how Cindy faced her battle– she would not go gentle and she would rage with all her power and might against the dying of the light.

My sister lived in pain – pain that would be a 7 Cindy said 2 – This was Cindy – selfless and strong – she was a fighter and would not let this disease define her. She did not complain, she continued to be her true self giving selflessly in the service of others – a backyard party with your girls from work, surprise party for Shaune, teaching me to make pickles, helping my kids bake holiday cookies for their teachers, a robe for Jodi, this sweater and the list goes on -

I cannot express in words my admiration and respect for the courage and poise she showed throughout her struggle – she was an inspiration.

I was given a gift in the face of this tragedy – I was given some time - Cindy and I were able to talk a lot over the last 13 months - put it all on the table and leave nothing unsaid. We talked about today and Cindy was clear with what she wanted her memorial to look like, nothing fancy, keep it simple. She gave the names of a couple people she would like to speak, one of the things we discussed was Music – no hoochie koochie music – stuff I like. The songs were a selection – Heart, Fleetwood Mac, U2, Cure, some 80’s, and songs she will be dancing to as she looks down on us today– my minds eye had her dancing away as these played – albeit - she was likely upset at the volume level

Cindy was unique and special - had many sides to her and touched many people’s lives – The cross section of folks here today speaks to this directly. Many of you knew one dimension but few knew them all and some of you may be surprised at aspects of the Cindy you did not know – I was given a very special gift in that I was let into more than most – I was likely shut out of a few myself, there are some things a brother does not need to know.

I want to reflect on a few of my favorites –

Cindy was a creative juggernaut with the heart of a lion - she was always this way – influenced at a young age by Pat, her favorite Aunt – who taught Cindy a great many things most of them crafty but they were kindred souls. There was little Cindy would not tackle – in the photos you will see snowman candy dishes, Halloween decorations, sweaters – really anything knitting – she found an ordering cateloge and next thing you know snowmen, pumpkins, candy dishes and countless other things were being crafted – enter the scroll saw. I am not sure how many of you knew - Cindy made all her own clothes – her opinion on bought clothes - the seams were poor they fitted poorly and really they were not worth the money. Cindy made and loved Halloween costumes – Hanna, Magnus and Beck loved going to Cindy’s for Halloween – witch, pumpkin, and I recall a clown – Hanna only knew her as a witch for several years. Cindy would get so excited around the holiday season as she planned what she would make for her staff this year – hats, scarfs and candy dishes – to name but a few – but regardless she put heart and soul into every gift right down to the very crafty wrapping.

Cindy recently discovered plarning – crocheting with plastic shopping bags – you will see her art here around you – water bottle holder, shopping bag. Cindy would love to Bake – She would drop 2 loaves off at my house and they were usually gone that day – But she always tried to make them healthy as she knew we were trying to be healthy – she would sneak in zucchini into the kids loafs and they were none the wiser – again her selfless devotion. She was selfless with her crafts - If you were inner circle you received one of her prized gifts – countless cakes, loafs and cookies, scarfs, custom bear candy dishes, slouchy toques, Christmas decorations and more. I see many of these traits live on in my beautiful daughter Hanna – I see them as the kindred spirts – Pat was to Cindy as Cindy was to Hanna

Cindy had and incredible work ethic. I mean this in many ways – she was a worker and worked hard to make things work. If the relationship mattered to her and she felt reciprocity – she worked hard to keep it going – she had her calendar of birthdays – transferred annually so she would keep up and they would not slip by. She kept in touch – and worked hard to maintain contact – Aunty Jean epic 9 hour lunch details come to mind. Whether in a relationship, the yard, at the cottage, around the house, or working at any of her numerous career paths – she was a non stop bubbling bundle of energy that was infectious. Cindy brought her ‘A’ game every day – her rise through the ranks at Superstore is an example of her dedication – she did everything to her best – gave her all. I was so very proud of her accomplishments – Cindy was proud as well – she took great pride in her achievements although silently and never boastful. If you look at the pictures– there are very few pictures of my sister just sitting around – crafting, painting, riding the lawn tractor, planting, pickling, sewing or whatever - she seemed to always be occupied

Cindy was infectious – her laugh….oh that laugh. Cindy could raise your spirits – I remember how regardless of the burdens of her day – show up at Superstore and it was like you were a celebrity in her eyes – she would introduce you around as such - you could not help but feel a bit inspired. She had a way of making you feel special – always. She kept things positive and had a way to diffuse negativity and not get pulled into things – she was able to find the bright path. She was this way with her prognosis as well – she did not complain…ever – she an incredibly positive attitude and resolve that this disease would not change her spirit.

She was fun and funny. She was a practical joker – she loved a good laugh. When you look at the pictures in the back you will see a couple examples I will share = There is a van, the van had a roof on it that looked like a boat – well the owner, a friend, was away and the boat van remained – when they returned the SS Minnow had been crafted upon it – courtesy of Cindy. There is also a picture of a cake topper from Jodi’s wedding – Cindy put this on Jodi’s cake – headless groom with wife holding his head – this was all Cindy – she put in on only for the photo opportunity then it was later removed – she was also respectful.

She had a wild side a real wild side – the true details of these events have been washed down and frankly I was only involved in the tamer events – Cindy had wild crazy fun. Many of the truly wild tales are best not told here today. Cindy was fun – crazy fun – where most had a 1-10 Cindy had 11. She introduced me to the wildness and dragged her little bro along to great venues like Broadways, the Black Knight, Bogarts and Benjamins where we would enjoy live music and dance the night away – vivid memories that I will carry to my last days. In my younger impressionable days, she left an impression – we were a constant fixture hanging out. I and many of my friends remember the days of Times night club - the effects of her heavy pouring arm when bartending – one that many of my friends remember well - this was only surpassed by her poor math skills and the surprising tab at the end of the night – tips were always graciously huge. She introduced me to late night dining at the Midnight Chalet – who knew you could eat until dawn.

I recall and others her celebrations at that house on Fifth Ave or her apartment in the Cove on Assiniboine – I think she was evicted in the end. One story - I will share that she loved to talk about – it involved a lobster – kidnapped from a restaurant – Barnackle Petes – it was tenacious and escaped only to run wild in a my Datsun 510 – after trying to wrestle it out from under my seat – Cindy helped auction it off to the highest bidder at the Black Night – so someone went home with a live lobster as a new pet.

As we aged fun came in different ways. Cindy was a loving caring Aunt to Hanna, Magnus and Beck and she was just like a kid again – on the floor and very involved. When Hanna came on the scene – Cindy was hooked – as I have mentioned in some ways I feel they are kindred spirits tied together by their creativity and giving hearts. She deeply loved my Boys – she always wanted to be the cool Aunt – she took great pride in seeking out special things for them that she knew they would enjoy. Our time together at holidays – Halloween, Christmas and Birthdays will long be cherished – she worked so hard to make them special. In the photos you will see Cindy - fully engaged Aunt – down on the floor playing, assembling and teaching the kids over the years – my regret is that she was not able to share more of her special talents.

Cindy was of devoted and loving nature. If you were lucky you earned her devotion – she was loyal and worked hard for the people she cared about – If you are in this group, and you will know that you are, then you are lucky and a privileged few. Most of all Cindy was my sister – our love was difficult for many to understand - in a sense that I will never be able to communicate to you in earthly words. She was my champion, confidant, defender and life long supporter – She was my Bear - Mother Bear in many ways, Master protector - but non judgmental, steadfast in her support. I admired my sister beyond anything I could express to you today, my heart is broken and there is now a massive void. Ours was a life bond that was always there. Her loss is painful however there is solace in, the fact that knowing our time was limited - we were fortunate to be able to share with each other how we felt. We were blessed with the time that we had – I loved her deeply and she knew, and I knew she loved me. A piece of me was torn apart when she passed, this aspect will never be the same, however she will live on my memories of the time we had.

A very wise woman told me - To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die….

To laugh often and much,

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends

To appreciate beauty

To find the best in others

To leave the world a bit better, weather by a healthy child, A garden patch

…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded

- RALPH WALDO EMERSON

In this life my dear sister you excelled.

* * * * * * * * * *

CINDY (BEAR) ANDERSON

It is with heavy and loving hearts that the family announces in the early morning of January 28, 2016, Cindy ‘Bear’ Anderson passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed quietly at home surrounded by loving family.

Cindy is survived by a loving family including her husband of 24 years Terry Uskoski, brother Arne and his wife Danielle Anderson. She was a very proud Aunt to their children Hanna, Magnus and Beck Anderson. She also leaves to mourn sister Marlene and her children Crystal and Johnny, mother-in-law Pauline Uskoski, 2 sisters-in-law; Cheryl Nolt and Linda Uskoski, as well as a long list of cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends. Cindy was predeceased by her mother Bev Lower, Grandmother Bea Lower and her Aunt Pat Tottle as well has her two beloved cats Maja and Muffin.

Cindy was born in Winnipeg on December 4, 1961. She spent the early years living in a variety of places including Winnipeg, Stonewall, Selkirk, Victoria eventually settling and calling Winnipeg home.

Cindy started her working life at McDonald’s on St. Anne’s Road, working her way up the corporate ladder to management. She moved on to work at Dominion Groceries at the Osborne Pembina junction in the Deli Department. The closure of Dominion Groceries led Cindy into the service industry starting at the famous Pickles Restaurant. Cindy excelled, as it was an opportunity for her bubbly, vivacious personality to shine. Subsequent years would see Cindy move to the big time of Times Night Club on Portage Avenue. These were the wild years; meeting many new friends and forming life long bonds that carried to present day. Times changed – Cindy moved to Jonathon’s Restaurant and Bar on St. Mary Avenue where she again forged strong lifelong bonds. It was at Jonathon’s where Cindy would meet her life partner Terry. Cindy eventually made a move away from the service industry and began working in the Deli at the St. Anne’s Superstore. In typical Cindy fashion she gave the job her all and excelled. Cindy would go on to take a role on Bison Drive as assistant Deli Manager soon to be the Deli Manager. She transferred stores to Gateway and eventually was appointed the Deli Manager for the new Superstore on St. James. Cindy loved her job, the people she worked with daily and gave everything she had every day. Cindy was in her 17th year with Superstore and worked her way to the second highest position as Key Holder.

Cindy was a creative force. The fortunate ones were rewarded with Cindy’s amazing crafts. She would sew, knit, crochet, cut, paint and create anything she set her mind to, and as those who knew her, knew it was a strong mind. Cindy never bought clothes, if she wanted a new shirt, she made it; new pants, made them; scarf, made it. She was a force and her work beautiful. Fabricland was her playground and her recent discovery of Ram Wool became a sanctuary for her, kindred spirits that spoke knitting.

Cindy loved skiing. She started locally but longed to try the mountains. She challenged her ‘intermediate’ skill with the best double black diamond runs that Sunshine could throw at her. That was Cindy, all in.

Cindy loved the outdoors. In the early years, it was in a canvas tent with Arne, Grandma, Mom, Uncle Keith and his 5 girls in St Ambrose. Grandma bought a trailer and it was camping in the trailer at Twin Beaches. In later years it was with Terry, backpacking into the backwoods of Manitoba’s great wilderness. It was in these places she would find peace and solace. Cindy and Terry had the pleasure of many summers at the cabin in the Whiteshell. This allowed Cindy to mix her love for the outdoors with the tranquility of cabin life. It became a place of comfort and peace.

Cindy loved her people. She cared for and loved Terry deeply. Her long lunches with Aunty Jean were a staple in her schedule. She made extra efforts to connect with people. She had many deep and long lasting friendships that spanned her life. Her friendships with Shaune and Jodi were so very important to her, like sisters, but better. Rarely do people have one friend like these women, as a testament to her, she had two. After her diagnosis it was these people who were her support – standing, sitting, lying and lifting her spirits through the tough journey. The truth of Cindy was her focus was on trying to lift our spirits.

Cindy’s giving character did not change in spite of her illness. She refused to let the illness change who she was. She continued to give of herself, her time and her talents in the support of others, despite her terminal prognosis. She took handmade gifts and special baking to the CancerCare folks, she sewed a new robe for Jodi, she planned, made special gifts and organized a surprise birthday party for Shaune, she taught Arne to make pickles, with Hanna, Magnus and Beck she planned and baked all their teacher’s holiday gifts; she spent countless hours knitting Arne a sweater; she always gave of herself selflessly.

To know her was a privilege; to receive her love was an honour.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all the care and support of the dedicated staff at CancerCare.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Winnipeg Humane Society – Cat Ward (Cindy Loved Cats).