Cynthia Ann Jeffery

Born in Detroit in 1954 to Robert and Margaret Orr, Cindy was the eldest of five children. She enjoyed all that came with large family life, including brothers that could make you laugh mercilessly. Cindy graduated from Fraser High School in 1972. It was during these years that she developed her artistic talents, focusing on portraits in pencil and charcoal. This later carried over in college years where she enjoyed exploring different types of music and writing.

She began her career as a medical technologist after graduating from the University of Michigan-Flint. She later earned a master's degree in accounting from Walsh College, and spent many years with American Community Developers, eventually becoming a Controller. She worked after her "retirement", in a different capacity, until recently when her health no longer allowed it.

Cindy gathered friends along the way. She was an active member of Lakeside Bible Chapel and participated in the Women's Ministries. However, her in-person attendance became limited by health concerns around large gatherings. While she enjoyed larger circles of fellowship and companionship, she valued her deep, authentic connections with lifelong friends; some of her friendships lasting for more than 60 years.

Cindy loved to travel, both in the U.S. and abroad, and especially enjoyed beach vacations. One of the few things she would discuss as a source of pride was when she stepped outside of her comfort zone to become a certified open-water diver. She spent time in Grand Cayman enjoying and developing this skill.

Cindy was the consummate big sister, taking care of and worrying about us all until her last days with us. She was supportive in any way we needed; exhorting, cheerleading and also in very practical ways. She was the emergency contact for our children, helped us with pick ups and drop-offs and sometimes providing rides for them to activities, like youth group, that they might have had to miss otherwise. She was an excellent eldest child, setting great examples always in the way she lived her life. She taught us about resilience in how she responded to serious health concerns and personal setbacks, always turning to God and not away. Her response was to find ways to grow from these experiences instead of giving in or giving up. I am still learning from you big sister.

There is no way to include here all that Cindy was to us, but sharing some thoughts from her nieces and nephews might be great insight into who she was:

"When I think of Aunt Cindy I think of how she was both strong and soft at the same time...firm in her values, kind in her heart and that she never left any doubt as to how much she loved and cared for us"

"Cindy was a beloved Aunt whose love knew no boundaries, She cherished her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, creating a lifetime of treasured memories filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Whether it was trips to Mackinac Island, countless drives to youth group, or gathering around the table sharing stories of her famous love of "couscous", Cindy had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, loved and important."

"She had a contagious laugh. We would always go to her when we had a funny story to share because her laugh made everything even funnier. I loved sending her funny animal videos and hearing her laugh until tears came out of her eyes. Our shared love of dogs was something we bonded over. Every time I went shopping, I came home ready to give Aunt Cindy a try-on haul because she was the ultimate fashionista. Whenever I showed her clothes that were a little outside my comfort zone, she filled me with confidence. She is the reason I show my teeth when I smile in pictures now. She made me feel confident in my smile, and now every time I smile for a picture, I think of her. Aunt Cindy was always there to support her nieces and nephews, was always curious about what we were up to, and always ready to listen. She would do just about anything for me. I remember being at Grandma's house and teaching her silly dances, breaking down the moves for her like "taking the jar off the shelf and put it in the basket". Those are memories I will cherish forever. Aunt Cindy was probably the most ticklish person I knew. She would cringe and yell if someone even touched her neck. Yet, when it came to her illness, she endured countless pokes, tests, and treatments and she continued to fight with strength and very few complaints. Aunt Cindy's faith was one of the qualities I admired most about her. It was evident in the way she treated others (her kindness and love) and in the way she carried herself through every stage of life."

"I am very lucky to have had an Aunt like Cindy in my life. Aunt Cindy was the kind of person that comes to mind when you think of a genuinely great role model and person. She was the most kind-natured, faithful, and supportive person. She would always watch my games and congratulate me on my goals and accomplishments. I am forever grateful for the love, support, conversations, memories and kindness that she gave me."

"Even in her illness, she stayed herself and greeted us with a smile every time we came."

"I've been thinking about what aspects of her personality made the biggest impact on me, and her laugh and her smile came to the forefront immediately. Also her subtle, witty, insightful, very Orr sense of humor. Her love of dogs and her untarnished goodness. She taught me that you don't have to choose between being strong and being kind; you can be both. She had such a rare mix of qualities, truly unlike anyone else."

A memorial gathering for Cindy's family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Lakeside Bible Chapel, 39939 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313; (586) 247-5226. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the memorial service.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" Philippians 1:3