Cynthia Lynne Vaaga

Cynthia Lynne Bartmess Vaaga was born to Bill and Carol Bartmess on July 10th, 1956. The first of three children, Cindy was soon joined in sisterhood by Cheri and Christi, and was always the leader of the bunch. Cindy spent most of her early years in the Bothell area, attending school in the Northshore School District. During her high school years Cindy enjoyed many sports, including track and field. She graduated from Bothell Senior High School in 1974, and attended Shoreline Community College until she was hired to work for Allstate Insurance.

In the spring of 1978, Cindy met the love of her life, Per. After only one year of dating, they were married on June 9th 1979. Some questioned whether it would last, but last it did, as they celebrated their thirtieth anniversary this past June. After five years of married life; enjoying the company of numerous friends as well as each other; dancing; travelling; and biking the Burke-Gilman Trail, it was time to start a family. In 1984 she gave birth to her first born Erica, her "angel-face". In 1987 she gave birth to her son, Christopher, or "Scooter" as she was fond of calling him.

Cindy loved attending every school activity and sporting event that her kids took part in. Whether it meant sitting out in the rain during a baseball game, or waking up early during the summer for swim practice, she was always there, rooting her kids on.

She was a devoted and loving mother, always there to listen and give advice. She encouraged her children to do what they loved, and to never take what they have for granted. She taught her kids to love from the bottom of their heart. She raised both her children to love one another (which as most of us know isn't always easy) and to love Jesus Christ.

Her smile could light up a room, and her infectious laugh, sometimes accompanied with an accidental snort or two, started many fits of uncontrollable laughter with all who were in the room. One episode she could never live down was her attempt to teach Chris to drive a car with a manual transmission. Her most memorable piece of advice was to "feather it" (the clutch that is), leading to many hours in the school parking lot with jerky starts and the engine quitting.

As her children continued to grow, she and Per worked together for 13 years building their appraisal company Asset Valuation Services, followed by the past three and a-half years at Suncorp Valuations, where her coworkers and clients will miss her cheery voice and helpful attitude.

Above all, Cindy loved her family and her cats. She took pride in keeping the house clean, and the cupboards stocked. She was truly selfless, doing whatever was asked of her to bring a smile to her families faces.

Cindy enjoyed crocheting and was an avid reader; and although she wouldn't admit it, she even enjoyed gardening. Her oatmeal and raisin and chocolate cookies will be missed by all, as will her famous lasagna.

Cindy had a true passion for music. Her favorite show on television was American Idol, she never missed an episode, no matter how annoying Simon was. You could see the joy in her face when she sang along to her favorite songs in the car, or when she participated in Worship time and listening to the choir sing in Church. She even talked of joining the choir here at Northshore Baptist Church when she got better.

During the last several months of her life, Cindy and Per started attending Northshore Baptist as frequently as her illness would allow. She and Per were both blessed to have many caring people introduce themselves and surround them with compassion and support for her and the ordeal she was going through. During this short period, Cindy was able to attend a Women's Bible Study class which really lifted her spirits.

Cindy will be greatly missed by family, friends and coworkers. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a caring mother, a wonderful daughter and a hard worker. Our comfort comes from knowing she is now with God, praising Him with songs of worship, without earthly pain or suffering.