Cynthia Maher, 80, a treasure to her family, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at her home. Celebration of Life: 10:00 ' 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Sharing of Memories at 11:00 a.m. Burial for Edward and Cynthia Maher will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Cynthia was born December 18, 1943, daughter of George and Mary (Kohl) Van Slyke, in Iowa. She married Edward Bernard Maher Jr. on October 13, 1963, in Marion, Iowa. She enjoyed feeding birds, doing puzzles, sewing, having movie and game night with her friends, playing Pinochle, and spending time with her cat, Pickles. In her younger years, she loved bowling, fishing with her husband and kids, bingo and baking; especially her famous bread, cinnamon rolls, ambrosia chocolate pie, and homemade noodles. Cynthia also was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord.
Cynthia was a traditional homemaker raising her 5 children, where she led by example of love, patience, grace and hard work. She loved her husband Ed sharing 50 years together. Everyone who knew her felt her true, gentle innocence. She made all around her feel valued, loved and worthy. She never had a harsh or mean tone even when she was upset. She didn't curse, drink or smoke. She was 'Home' to so many. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She loved each and every one immensely and she knew how much she was loved by them.
Survivors include her children, Rachel (Doug) Hale of Phoenix, Arizona, Edward B. (Debbie) Maher III of Cedar Rapids, Colleen (Roger) Cassill of Cedar Rapids, Mary McGovern of Gilroy, California, and Kathy Pyne of Glendale, Arizona; siblings, Edward Van Slyke, Randie Willis, Diane Drival, Marsha Smith, Debbie Wright, and Bonnie Brody; grandchildren, Derrick, Justine, Seth, Sebastian, Zac, Landon, Echo, Bijan, Bianca, Dante, Krystle, Thor, and Athena; great-grandchildren, Sky, Maximus, Justin, Derrick, Meleia, Mackenna, Levi, Lawson, Braelyn, Beckham, Daphne, Arlo, Dahlia, Asher, Aspen, Georgia, Grayson, Bella, and Lincoln; and great great-grandchildren, Levi, Nevaeh, and Anna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edward Maher; and siblings, Sharon Van Slyke, Dennis Van Slyke, Patty Tinstman, and Margaret Bair.
Memorials may be made to the family.
The family extends a special Thank You to her home health nurse, Kim, for the excellent care and her friends at the Asbury House, especially Loretta.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Love you and miss you Grandma Cindy – Landon, Kaitlan, Beckham, Daphne, Arlo
It was too soon Aunt Cindy to leave us. 😢. I loved spending time as shopping/eating out/ visiting. I miss you so much Aunt Cindy I feel like I lost another mother. 💔 😔. You are in Heaven with ur sisters (my mother Patricia) and Aunt Margaret your other sister. I love you going to miss you like crazy. RIP MY BEAUTIFUL AUNT CINDY.
We’re going to miss you so much and it will never be the same without you. We love you so much Mom.
https://youtu.be/deebKNI-dTE?si=yNPbV6tKxXthxNZw
Another great one gone. RIP Aunt Cindy. Love you….
Cindy,
I will miss you more than you know.
Go with God
So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. Our condolences. May she Rest in Peace.
I am going to miss Cindy very much!! Cindy was a most kind and considerate person!! Cindy talked me into “calling” our Bingo Games at Asbury House, where we resided!!
Cindy had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed her company and the other ladies at Asbury House Bingo!! Cindy, you will not be forgotten!! The world has lost a great person!! I wish to extend my “heartfelt” condolences to Cindy’s Family and Friends
upon her passing!!
Respectfully,
Chuck Elias
Asbury House Resident
Thank you so much for your kind words Chuck. I can tell you she enjoyed your company and friendly banter back and forth at bingo and when she would catch you in the hallway. But I think the time that was most special to her was when all of you guys got together to put up the Christmas tree last year she was so proud of the work you guys did. God bless you my friend. (From Ed)
Aunt Cindy was such a wonderful person. We will all miss her.
To Ed Van Slyke family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry to learn of Cindy’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her at the Maher family reunions. She was so pleasant. We will miss seeing her. May she rest in peace!
A Mother is…
Someone who cares when others care less…
Someone who encourages when others ridicule…
Someone who defends when others condemn…
Someone with patience when others are impatient…
Someone who appreciates when others fail to notice…
Someone who gives security in a world of insecurity…
Someone who is accepting when others reject.
A Mother is a friend for all time, to cherish and protect,
As her achievements will linger for generations.
“I don’t think there is a more loving human than her she really had the purest heart, I hope to only continue what she instilled in me growing up… we’re all so lucky to call her granny she was a beautiful woman“
Krystle; Cynthia’s granddaughter expecting her 1st baby
RIP AUNT CINDY, YOU WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.
To My cousin Cindy
I’ll never forget June 26th 1976…
I was lying on our couch at home 9 months pregnant, with a terrible back ache ..you came over and said …
You are in labor ….
Canning tomatoes. …. midnight special on TV Friday nights .. thinking about you ❣️
Cindy was such a special kind woman to all she met and engaged with at Milestones..Shes been missed for a very long time..Peace….. Beth
She cared so much about other peoples well-being she would always ask you what’s going on, cook for you, and simply spend time talking. She often gave up any and all her belongings to give to her children. There were things that we couldn’t afford or do, but somehow Grandma made that happen, never asking for anything in return. To care for others more than I love myself is how I remember her.
As I was reading through the Bible I found this passage in Proverbs that I want to share with you and it is how I feel God teaches us about how a Godly woman is to be honored.
Proverbs 31:28-31
[28] Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
[29] “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
[30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
I wish I got to know you more and I hope you find peace.