Cindy Anne VanZant

first-generation girl from Long Island, NY, born to an immigrant from Norway. She moved to Charlottesville, VA with her parents and big sister, Peggy, as a teen. After graduating from William and Mary with a teaching degree and Spanish major, she taught in D.C. before marrying Dale VanZant, the UVA boy who took her to prom and held her hand during high school choir.

The newlyweds moved out west to the Air Force base in Tucson, AZ. Cindy taught high school, hiked with their Great Dane, and got her master’s degree while Dale did multiple tours in Vietnam. Cindy became a mother in that desert, and they moved to Detroit, MI less than two months after Kirstan was born. Kara and Jason were born in Michigan, and when the family moved to Scottsbluff, NE in the late 70's, Cindy was a stay-at-home mom with three kids under four. She was the center of her kids’ world when they were little. Patient, present, and proud.

Once all three kids were in school, Cindy went back to teaching 6th grade. She was a fantastic teacher and worked at Westmoor Elementary and then Bluffs Middle School. When the family moved to Longmont, CO in 1989, she taught at St. John’s and then helped open Westview Middle School. She remained at Westview until she retired. Everyone has that teacher in their youth who they remember because they made learning fun and authentically cared about the students. She was that teacher for countless teens.

Cindy watched all three of her kids graduate from college and then from graduate school. She welcomed their spouses into the family with open arms. In her retirement, Cindy reveled in her grandchildren. She dug back into her lifelong love of gardening and trained her therapy dog, Scout. Scout and Cindy became well known in waiting rooms at LUH. Dale and Cindy traveled to Norway, Alaska, Italy, and many other places near and far over the years together. They explored and sincerely enjoyed one another’s company, and they also loved to spend time with their kids’ families. Life was good.

In recent years, dementia slowly stole the Cindy we knew. Even in her last few weeks with us, we would still see the old Cindy in there in her smile and in her occasional recollections. Cindy leaves behind so many family members and friends who loved her. She leaves behind a 78-year legacy of faith and kindness and purpose. The wildflowers she loved so much are just a touch less vibrant without her here.

We will celebrate Cindy’s life on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community (1000 W. 15th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501). Her service will be from 10-11 AM.

A reception with refreshments will follow from 11 AM-Noon in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Turners Syndrome Society of the United States will be appreciated. Please see below for a link to donate.