Cynthia Lynne Van Maren

Cynthia “Cindy” Lynne Van Maren passed away on October 18, 2024, succumbing to injuries from a fall two weeks earlier. Cindy was born in Casper, Wyoming, on January 26, 1953, the middle of seven children born to N.P. Van Maren, Jr. and Juanita Beamish Van Maren. The day Cindy was born, two other baby girls were as well. For many years after that, the three families got together to celebrate the birthday. It was a fun tradition.

Cindy faced a number of hardships in her life. Perhaps the foremost of these was being born with a heart condition that eventually led to her being the recipient of a heart transplant in 2009, and she took part in an anti-rejection drug study.

Cindy attended Casper College after graduating from Natrona County High School. For a time, she worked at Albertsons in Casper. However, she was drawn to work in healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. In her teens, Cindy volunteered at the hospital as a “candy striper,” helping patients in need. Later, she completed a nurse’s aide training program while living in the Salt Lake City area. Much of her life was devoted to caregiving.

Like a lot of people, Cindy was complicated. She had a difficult personality with a servant’s heart. Cindy was a committed Christian who was always active in Bible studies, fellowship groups, and church life. She always pitched in to help; even when visiting churches she could be found in the kitchen helping with the dishes. She enjoyed contributing and truly cared about other people. She found her greatest satisfaction when there was someone in her life she was able to help. Cindy was also a master at the family’s favorite card game,“Nuts,” and could put everyone in their place with her aggressive playing style.

Walking was Cindy’s favorite pastime. An early riser, she was frequently out and about soon after daybreak, and would walk long distances throughout the day. She liked to tidy as she walked, and would pick up and dispose of trash if needed. Cindy walked a great deal even in her final months.

Cindy is survived by her six siblings: Steve (Elizabeth); Sue; Fern; Dave (Laurie); Diane (Tim); Nancy (George); as well as 23 nieces and nephews, 37 great-nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, Cindy would have appreciated donations being sent to The Gideons, at gideons.org.