Cynthia "Cindy" Ruth Janzen

Cynthia (Cindy) Janzen, 75, died August 16, 2023 at Greencroft Healthcare from causes related to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cindy was born March 6, 1948, in Newton Kansas to Ben V. and Ruth (Schrag) Wedel, the second of 4 girls.  She grew up on the family farm near Moundridge, Kansas where she began grade school in a one-room school.  After graduating from Moundridge High School, she attended Bethel College in North Newton, KS before transferring to Goshen College, IN, where she received a BS in Nursing degree.

As a nurse, Cindy worked in various areas, including pediatrics, home health, and diabetes education. Her last job was private duty.

She married David Janzen in 1970 and they enjoyed nearly 53 years of life together, mostly in Elkhart, IN, until moving to Greencroft Goshen in 2013.  He survives along with sons Ben of Middlebury, Steve and Tony (Denise Reesor) of Goshen, sisters Pat (Mark) Rupp, Moundridge, Pauletta (Stan) Brodhagen of Wichita KS, and Connie (Rex) Esau of Austin, TX along with her Janzen in-laws, many nieces and nephews and a special cousin, Mary (Ray) Hunsberger of Goshen.

Proceeding her in death were her parents; a stillborn daughter, Maria Hope; and niece Jackie Rupp.

Cindy was baptized upon confession of faith by Rev. Arnold Nickel at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, and faithfully served her Lord throughout her life.  She was among the founding members of Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church in Elkhart and used her gifts of compassion, friendship, and music to the benefit of all she met.  Her legendary sense of humor brightened the days of family, patients, church, and community friends.

Cindy’s musical talents in voice and flute contributed to several choirs and the church music group over the years. A treasured video captures her singing “Take Thou My Hand O Lord” at her parents 50th wedding anniversary.  Her last choir was the Evergreen Singers of Goshen.

Among her community service ventures were serving as a board member and volunteer at Loveway, Inc, and leading an Alzheimer’s Support Group.  As a teenager, she participated in an open housing march inspired by Martin Luther King while doing a short-term volunteer stint in Chicago.

While her mental and physical capacities were stolen by Alzheimer’s, her pleasant personality remained. She was a favorite among the Healthcare staff as her attentive eyes and frequent smile affirmed those who cared for her. Cindy was a special gift of God that blessed her family and the many friends and patients who knew her.

Her remains were donated to MedCure for further research toward the eradication of Alzheimer’s.  Friends may call from 5-8 pm Friday, September 8, 2023, with a memorial service at 10:30 am Saturday, September 9, at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. Lunch will be served after the service with the opportunity to share stories of Cindy’s life.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to all the Greencroft staff, our extended family, friends, and church members who helped us walk this difficult journey.

Memorials may be contributed to Loveway, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, or the Greencroft Foundation.