Lindsay Wynne Chervenak

Lindsay Wynne Chervenak, beloved friend, wife, mother, and sister, lost her hard-fought and courageous battle against ovarian cancer in the early morning hours of March 10, 2025. She was just two months shy of her 62nd birthday. While cancer may have taken her body, it never diminished her spirit or resolve to fight until the very end. Her last day on Earth was spent surrounded by family and friends and filled with immense love. She gathered with loved ones, listened to a friend play the bagpipes, and watched her final Texas sunset from the comfort of her home patio. She spent her final moments with her loving wife, Linda, in the home they shared with their son, Jack. Lindsay expressed numerous times that she could not have endured this journey without the constant strength, care, and endless love of Linda by her side.

Lindsay was born in Portland, Oregon, on May 9, 1963, to Marilyn and John Chervenak. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, she lived in Texas, Massachusetts, Alconbury, England, and South Carolina as a child but finished her high school years in West Falmouth, Massachusetts, where her father retired. She then moved to Texas to live with her sisters and attend college. She searched for her path and eventually found her calling when she enrolled in the Austin Police Department Academy, where she also met her best and dearest friend, Kim Farbo. She graduated from the Academy in 1986, was pinned detective in 1999, and, after serving 24 years and battling breast cancer in 2009, retired in 2010. She later worked for Austin Code for eight years.

In 2011, Lindsay and Linda adopted their son, Jack. He was Lindsay’s pride and joy and is everything she and Linda ever dreamed of in a child—happy, loving, kind, and considerate toward others. The joy he brought to Lindsay’s life was immeasurable, and she was so very proud of him. She and Linda cherished years of cheering Jack on at his many sporting events and watching him succeed both academically and personally. Lindsay was given the gift of watching him grow from a playful and curious little boy into the compassionate and exceptional young man he is today.

In her retirement years, Lindsay had her dream workshop built in the backyard, where she was able to expand her love of woodworking. She became an experienced craftswoman, creating beautiful cutting boards, charcuterie trays, and tabletops. Turning to her other passion, Lindsay planted a large garden where she tended to vegetables, lovingly sharing them with family and friends for many years. After years of planning, in 2024, she finally had a custom deck built off the back of the house, where she could sit in the evenings and watch the beautiful Texas sunsets and the many birds that visited her feeders. It was her favorite place to be.

Lindsay was an amazing mother, sister, and friend. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Smart, funny, lovable, empathetic, loyal, giving—the list of adjectives could go on and on. She had a soft spot for animals, and her family and friends were never surprised when she took in yet another stray pet into her heart and home.

She loved the beach, and her summers on Cape Cod in the house her grandparents had left to her and her siblings were among her favorite memories. One of Lindsay’s bucket-list wishes was to one day travel to Ireland and sit in a bar with a pint of Guinness, listening to live Celtic music. In April 2024, that wish came true when Lindsay and Linda traveled to Ireland for ten days. During the trip, Lindsay felt the best she had in a long time and commented that the experience was “magical” and everything she had imagined.

Lindsay was fortunate enough to see her dear family and friends often in her final months, including some she had not seen in years, to reminisce about special memories and laugh about old stories. She was incredibly well-loved by all who knew her and so worthy of every ounce of that love.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Loar and his physician assistant, Laura Davis, at Texas Oncology for the devoted and heartfelt care they provided over the years. The family is also grateful to the entire staff at Hospice Austin for their tender and compassionate support of Lindsay in her final months.

Lindsay is survived by her wife and devoted companion of 25 years, Linda Garner; son, Jack; sisters, Lisa (and husband, Richey) Cmerek and Leslie (and husband, Mike) Pearson; brother, John (and wife, Donna) Chervenak; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services to be held on March 21st at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749. Visitation will be from 2:00–4:00 p.m., with the service and police honors immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lindsay’s honor to Hospice Austin, Swan Songs, Wonders and Worries, or any pet/animal charity of your choice.

Our Lindsay will be missed immensely, but she will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved and cherished her. We will see you on the other side.