Cindy my Sister-in-Law (by Julie Button)

This eulogy by Julie Button is the sixth of seven messages offered at Cindy's funeral on April 12.  Julie represents a group of women in Cindy's life fondly known by Glenn and his brothers as the "Siss-siss-siss-Sisters!"  These are principally Glenn's five sisters (In order by age: Lori, Cherie, Jan, Julie and Lisa). Julie and Cindy enjoyed a close, "sisterly" relationship as did Julie's husband, Rich with Glenn. (P.S. the Trevisan boys are: Glenn, Neil, Paul, Roger (d. 2014) and Daniel.)

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When Glenn asked me to prepare a few thoughts regarding my dear sister-in-law, sister-in-parenting, sister-in-faith, I felt honored.

When Glenn shared how many others would also be speaking, I felt overwhelmed that I would be unable to provide a unique perspective with you.

When Coach Glenn revealed the batting order, I felt terrified.  Nevertheless, batter-UP!

Cindy & I joined the ranks of motherhood in the same year.  Cindy had prayed, planned, and prepared for motherhood for years while I stumbled into the ranks early in marriage.  We both stepped out of the world of the employed & became stay-at-home moms.  When our children were “littles,” Cindy’s sister Judy, Cindy, and I joined “Rose’s Bible Study.” 

As we fumbled our way through the trials & tribulations of raising children, what a blessing it was to have a multi-generational network of faithful women supporting us AND chipping in on a babysitter so that our children could play while we studied.  When our confidence sagged, Rose encouraged every one of us that we were, in fact, treasured daughters of the King of Kings.  Those women provided faithful & much-needed grandmotherly encouragement; we showed up for years to study scripture—that time together cemented our friendship and our mutual walk in faith.

Cindy treasured her role as mom to Adam and Laura, my beloved Goddaughter.  Cindy parented intentionally and faithfully considered how to share what she valued with her children & how to “start (her) children off on the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6)—including books (from Berenstain Bears to Bibles), videos (VeggieTales & McGee & Me), holiday celebrations (back in the day, all the local Trevisan cousins AKA pirates, princesses, panda bears, and pumpkins met for photos and a pizza party prior to Trick-or-Treating; more recently, every Christmas Eve, it’s ravioli and a rousing round of mother-son Euchre—Cindy & I verses Adam & Keith) & even vacation destinations (including camping in the National Parks and quite of few excursions to our cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula). 

As our parenting role evolved from guiding young children, to cheering on our strong-willed Farmington Falcons, to advising sophomoric college-aged scholars, to peacefully co-existing with our offspring as adults, I treasured our shared journey and Cindy’s pragmatic ability to maneuver these challenges gracefully.   I will miss her wise counsel, her moral compass, and her go-to value that our first and most important responsibility is to love the children and family entrusted to us by God.

Cindy’s life took many dramatic turns in the past 10 years.  She responded admirably in “un-dramatic” ways—reflecting her steadfast faith & practical nature.  When needed, she found a job outside her home.  She juggled the budget creatively and continued to orchestrate a well-lived life as comfortably as possible.  Cindy’s dog-eared Bible was the field guide for the life she wanted to live--one that she carried with her, read often, and wore down to the binding.  When faced with life’s inevitable hiccups, Cindy’s faith drove her actions & enabled her to do the right thing and to encourage those around her—including me—to do the same.  Cindy demonstrated what the Book of Timothy calls “good work” in acts of kindness, service, and friendship. 

I have been the recipient of Cindy’s good work throughout the past year.  Rich & I embarked on a time-sucking, ginormous home renovation project that often left us overwhelmed, exhausted, and physically beaten.  Cindy & Glenn expanded many nightly walks to include a stop at the Farmington Fixer to take a look at the rubble & provide words of encouragement.  On more than one occasion, when Cindy noticed we were working late into the evening, she arrived with a picnic dinner and provided a salve to our soul that simply cannot be overstated.   A pasta salad and fresh cut, juicy watermelon following a long day of sweaty work is pure heaven!  Cindy worked to meet the needs of those around her in practical ways—food, prayers, & love.

Whether bouncing a baby on her knee, mucking it up with the littles, savoring a nibble of dark chocolate, enjoying a great campfire, star-gazing while laying on our dock on the Millecoquin River, or reveling in the majesty of a mountain, Cindy radiated joyful contentment.  She lived simply, loved abundantly, protected fiercely, and savored the life that God gave her.  Upon her diagnosis, I balked at the thought that the illness could take her life.  She told me that she was not afraid to die, she trusted her creator, and she knew where she was going.  I was not ready to hear it at the time but appreciated her faithful conviction. 

While Cindy was in treatment, I often texted a scripture verse that inspired me as I prayed for her.  On day #1, I sent her Isaiah 41:  10, 13:  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Unbeknownst to me, it is one of her life verses that hangs on her frig.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so. 

Despite Cindy’s fragile constitution, she battled cancer like a warrior.  Who knew she was capable of such TOUGHNESS?   Upon reflection, I recognize that she drew that strength from her God.  On February 5, she texted, “Only way to go is good ol’ Philippians 4:13,” which states: I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.  Once declared in remission & given the go-ahead, every “Cindy appearance” included abundant smiles as she rocked a variety of sassy headscarves.   Her joyful demeanor in spite of cancer makes losing her even more difficult. 

Early in our home renovation process, Cindy remarked: “I can’t see where you’re going with this but I trust the vision.”   My version of this thought came to me upon her passing:  “I can’t see why God called her home at this time, but I trust in Him and His provision.”   Nevertheless, I will miss her friendship, her faithful presence, her steadfast practicality, her joyful contentment. 

Rest in peace, dear Cindy.