Cynthia (Cindy) Ann Wiens

A memorial service for Cindy Wiens, 52, will be held at two o’clock, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. She passed away May 4, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with a long illness.
Cindy was born May 16, 1960 in Ness City, KS, the daughter of Dr. Peter K. and Lenora J. Wiens. Cindy graduated from Ness City High School in 1978 where she excelled in academics, played basketball and tennis, and still holds the school track records for the mile relay and the 880 yard run. Her senior year she received the best athlete of the year award and she was homecoming queen.
Cindy attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelors of Science in Education Degree, majoring in physical education and minoring in biology. She was also a member of the KU Crew Team, Alpha Omega Phi, and a KU life guard. During the summertime, she was a camp counselor at wilderness adventure camps and often led expeditions.
After college she worked for Mennonite Volunteer Service in Denver, CO. This was followed by a career teaching biology and science in Denver, CO, Colby, KS, Jerome and Twin Falls, ID. She also taught aqua aerobics at Colby Community College and G.E.D. for the Twin Falls Adult Correction Facility. Cindy moved to Lawrence in 1996 and began substitute teaching and then worked as a para-educator at Free State High School until 2006.
Besides her work, Cindy enjoyed hiking, camping, and skiing.
She was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothes for herself and her children. She was creative; her handmade gifts were always anticipated by family and friends.
Cindy was married to Mark Kind from 1985 until 2002. She is survived by a son, Garrett Wiens-Kind, Milwaukee, WI, a daughter, Melanie Wiens-Kind, Lawrence, KS, a sister, Gwen Wiens (Robert Blum), Lawrence, KS, a brother, Stan Wiens (Jan Wiens), Kemp, TX, her in-laws, Joan and Reinhart Kind, Denver, CO, 3 nieces, 5 nephews, 1 great niece and 1 great nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a step-father, Walter Samanski, and a sister Jan Wiens.
Cindy also gave the gift of life through organ donation.
Cindy’s family thanks her compassionate friends and caregivers who assisted in her care at The Windsor of Lawrence where she lived for almost seven years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre, Peace Mennonite Church of Lawrence, or a charity of your choice.
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