Cynthia L. Roessler

July 22, 1950 - May 21, 2008
DOWAGIAC - Cynthia Lynn Roessler, 57 passed away on Wednesday. Cindy's life began on July 22, 1950 in South Bend, the daughter of Maryellen (Helt) and James Roessler.

She was a graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend and Indiana University where she majored in education. Cindy was a creative and dedicated teacher. She began her career at Sister Lakes Elementary and later taught at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. She was a special education teacher for several years in the Cassopolis Public Schools and the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District. She later began the special education coordinator for Lewis Cass ISD and served in that capacity for several years. Cindy was an active member of the Dowagiac Rotary Club, serving as their president from 1999 - 2000, and chairperson of many committees. She was proud that during her tenure, the Rotary Club raised an unprecedented amount of money to support their many projects. Cindy will be remembered for her stories, her laughter, her thoughtfulness, her abiding concern for others and her courage in the face of adversity.

She loved animals, particularly her dogs and took special pleasure in working in her flower gardens, creating stained glass windows, spending time at her family cottage at Sister Lakes and pontooning there with friends. Cindy brought an inspirational brightness and optimism to life, which helped to illuminate and uplift the world of those around her. To know Cindy was to love her. She reached out to others with kindness and compassion and gave of herself generously. She served loyally in the Big Sisters program for several years.

Her loving family includes her parents, Maryellen and James Roessler of Dowagiac; her brother, Michael (Mary) Roessler of Lansing; her niece, Kate and husband James; and two great-nieces, Lola and Ruby. After loving and compassionate care from Drs. Ansari and Mokfi and the wonderful staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in South Bend, Cindy passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on May 21, 2008.

The celebration of Cindy's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on June 8, 2008, in McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, led by Reverend Chris Pittman. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Cindy at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.