Cindy Joanne Doran was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Joanne and Cliff Doran, the second of their eight children. Cindy’s nickname was Windy in her younger years. Her siblings were Egghead, Pinhead, Barson, Barla, Smay, Pill, and Jinx. Jeff, her husband, had the distinction of being addressed by his entire name, Jeffrey Jones, or as she elegantly put it, Heff Honness. All her "fur babies" were “Ding Dong”. Those who knew Cindy could tell many stories of her unique personality and inadvertent comedic timing. When Jeff surprised Cindy with a pinch to the tush, she would reply “Knock it off or I’ll kill ya”. She also threatened to kill Jeff if he ever threw a surprise party for her. He successfully threw her one; she had a great time and Jeff came out unscathed.
Cindy grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, attended St. Joseph’s grade school and graduated from Rock Island High School. She worked 33 years for the United States Government, beginning with the Department of Defense at the Rock Island Arsenal and retiring in 2016 from the Department of the Interior in Lakewood, Colorado.
Cindy married the love of her life, Jeffrey Drake Jones in Rock Island in 1981. During their years in Rock Island, Cindy supported Jeff’s goal of attending Palmer Chiropractic College full time. Jeff attributes his ability to become a chiropractor to Cindy’s emotional and financial support, and dedication to their marriage.
Cindy and Jeff moved to Arvada, Colorado in 1991, where she continued to work for the government, and Jeff set up his chiropractic office. Cindy and Jeff’s family was made complete by their beloved fur babies; Springer Spaniel and English Setter dogs that not only helped them on their hunting trips, but provided them with love and devotion. Their first was Hali, then Harry. Holly passed away this past summer, which broke Cindy and Jeff’s hearts. Their latest little Springer Spaniel puppy, Haley, is just 16 weeks old, and visited Cindy one final time in the hospital. She now sleeps on Cindy’s blanket next to Jeff.
Cindy, along with Jeff, lived the quintessential Colorado lifestyle of camping, cycling, hunting, kayaking, and otherwise enjoying nature while walking her dogs or gardening. For a decade, she participated in the Fat Tire Classic, a charity off road cycling event, riding at least 40 miles a day. Covering thousands of miles of landscape, they mountain biked all through Colorado and Utah. She lived a healthy lifestyle and was never believed when her age was revealed. Her beautiful brunette hair was not touched by the hands of a colorist.
On their 20th Anniversary, Cindy and Jeff went to Ireland and Wales, visiting the Blarney Castle, where Cindy, with her aversion to “cooties” was first in line and darted to kiss the stone first before the crowd began their smooches. They’ve cycled through villages in France and and scuba-dived in Honduras and Mexico. They also took pleasure in camping at various locations throughout Colorado; enjoying nature, hunting, fishing and hiking. Cindy and her three sisters enjoyed two very special “sisters' trips” to Kentucky and Nashville. Cindy was also an avid skier, tackling double black diamond courses with ease. She and Jeff took a spin class at the Arvada YMCA and made numerous friends there and everywhere she went. Anyone who knew Cindy was a lucky person.
Cindy spoke on the phone often with her siblings.….many conversations reminded them of a Seinfeld episode, long conversations with nothing important really said, but a lot of laughs. In these conversations, you were never bored. She was effortless in making people feel at ease around her. Maybe it was her self-deprecating humor or her interest in others’ lives, but just like her sense of humor, her kindness was undeniable.
Cindy was old-school private. She didn’t like to be the center of attention, nor did she share details about herself; she was more interested in your stories. She didn’t partake in social media as she didn’t like her photos being posted. She would hate this obituary because too much was being said about her. She held her cards close. She was fiercely protective of Jeff; you dare not cross him or you were off her list.
She hated to cook. She loved the Rolling Stones, the Eagles and Brad Paisley. She would say “I love this song!”, close her eyes and do her Cindy dance and sing Seven Bridges Road. At 10 years old, Cindy demanded her younger brother STOP liking “Glad All Over” by The Dave Clark Five; her ruling as one of the oldest was you are ONLY listening to the BEATLES!!
Cindy leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Jeff, dog Haley, siblings Craig (Sue) Doran, Clint (Linda) Doran, Carson Doran, Carla Doran, Jay (Megan) Doran, Jill (Chris) Randall and Jennifer (Greg) Doran Ciokajlo. In-laws Pat (Kay) Jones, Nicki (Randy) Smith, Paula (Bruce) Leman and Kris Jones. Nieces and Nephews Amie (Glen), Matt, Amber, Amanda (Steve), Nick, Reece, Tate, Claire, Macy, Everett, Brandon (Laurie), Chad (Jennifer), Hayden, Colin and Jennifer (Josh), along with numerous cousins and Aunt Phyllis Moomey.
Cindy was taken too soon by an arterial hemorrhage resulting in a massive stroke. We are all grieving and feel robbed of losing sweet Cindy, but take comfort that her faith in the Lord provided her the strength to not fear death. Cindy’s family knew of her deep Christian faith. She attended a home church and ladies' bible study. She knew she would be greeted by her parents and friends that went before her, and of course, her dogs. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joanne and Cliff Doran.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the WildAnimalSanctuary.org or TheBibleProject.com would be appreciated.
We would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the excellent care Cindy received during her stay in the Neuro Critical Care Unit of Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge. Thank you to the team of doctors, nurses and staff that gave our our dear Cindy comfort and dignity in her final days.
A Memorial service to celebrate the life of Cindy will be held on:
Saturday, October 27th, 2018
2PM
Morningside Manor
13251 W. 64th Avenue Arvada, CO 80004
A Memorial service to celebrate the life of Cindy will be held on:
Saturday, November 3, 2018
2PM
Singing Bird Center
1510 46th Ave.
Rock Island, Il
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave behind when day is done.
~Helen Lowrie Marshall~
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