Lucinda Sue Steahr, age 65, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, at Mercy One Des Moines, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.
Cindy was born on September 27, 1960, in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of William and Pauline (Broshar) Donovan. She graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1979 and attended Indian Hills Community College.
Cindy dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She began her career at what was then St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, now Mercy One Medical Center, where she started as a ward clerk. She later earned her nursing license and went on to work as a nurse for Mercy for 32 years before retiring. During her career, she became director of the dialysis center in Centerville, where she touched many lives through her compassion and care.
On November 22, 2010, Cindy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Chuck. In her free time, she loved spending time with family and friends, doing arts and crafts, camping at the lake, and making holidays, especially Christmas, feel special. She had a gift for spoiling her grandchildren rotten and making everyone feel loved. Cindy also had a deep love for animals, many of whom seemed to find their way to her home knowing she would never turn them away. She helped create and grow the local “Cat Connections” community, where she worked tirelessly to connect stray, abandoned, and vulnerable cats with loving homes and safe shelter.
Cindy is survived by her daughter, Jenny (Jay) Schmidt of Centerville; her son, Dylan Johnson of Centerville; and her grandchildren, Braylon, Kinleigh, and Parklynn Schmidt of Centerville. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; her sisters, Judy and Pat; her brothers, Mike and Billy; and her beloved husband, Chuck.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cat Connection’s.
Cindy will be remembered for her caring heart, her strength, her love for her family, and the way she always showed up for the people and animals who needed her.
Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions of Green Castle, MO is honored to care for and minister to Cindy’s family at this time.
