Cynthia (Cindy) Swenson
March 16, 1959 ~ April 26, 2018
Cynthia (Cindy) Louise Swenson died April 26, 2018, at age 59 at her home in Fargo, North Dakota. Cindy was born March 16, 1959, in Wakefield, Nebraska, the first child of Waldron (Wally) and Janet Bull. She grew up on the family farm, where her strong work ethic and love of animals were rooted. She attended country school, where she was the only student in her class, and Wayne-Carroll High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in home economics. While at college, she worked, was a football cheerleader, ran track, and was on the homecoming court. In 1981 she moved to Fargo, North Dakota to pursue a Master's in both agricultural economics and home economics at North Dakota State University. There she met her husband Andrew (Andy) Swenson. They were married July 14, 1984, in Wayne, Nebraska.
Cindy operated Ferdinand's Tailor Shop before starting her home business in 1991. In addition to countless hours tailoring, she never tired of helping others perfect their special events, sewing thousands of prom, pageant, skating, and wedding dresses over the years. She served as the official and unofficial wedding coordinator for many brides.
Cindy greatly enjoyed volunteering for and attending her daughters' sports and activities, and was known as "Mom" to many. She was devoted to the local soccer community, never missing a game and forming lifelong friendships. She was a 4-H club leader, ran county and state events, and judged at North Dakota and Minnesota State Fairs. Cindy was always spotted with a smile and loved nothing more than helping others with her time and many talents.
On April 25, 2016, Cindy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With grace and grit, she battled for two years and was grateful for the time with her friends and family, especially days spent at the family cabin.
She is survived by her devoted husband Andy, children Anna Karin Swenson and Erika Ruth (Matthew) Schuld, and beloved grandson Philip (Pip). She is also survived by her mother Janet Bull, sisters Sandra (Ted) Baack, Kristin (Paul) Smejkal, and Deborah (Randy) Kinney, brother-in-law Paul (JoEllen) Swenson, sister-in-law Jennifer (Michael) Conboy, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Wally Bull and mother-in-law Eldora Swenson.
A visitation will be held 5 to 6:30 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Boulger Funeral Home (123 10 St S, Fargo, ND) on Friday, May 4. There will be a visitation at 10 AM and funeral service at 11 AM, followed by lunch at Hope Lutheran Church (2900 Broadway N, Fargo, ND) on Saturday, May 5.
Please make memorials to the North Dakota 4-H Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.
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Heartfelt sympathy to the family. God’s peace
Andy and family,
We were saddened to hear about Cindy. Prayers to all of you.
Andy & family, our sincere condolences on your loss. Mark & Sandy Holkup
Andy, Anna, Erika and family: So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. I have many fond memories of volunteering with Cindy at Washington Elementary when our children were young. She always made everyone’s day brighter. My deepest sympathies to you all. Wendy Robinson and family.
Dear Andy, Erika, and the whole Swenson family,
Please know that Theresa and I, Abby and Laura, and our whole family send our love and prayers for all of you on Cindy’s death. We will forever remember her sweetness, her kindnesses, her feverish creativity, and her brilliant mind. We slept easier knowing she was looking out for our daughters. It was our privilege to have known her.
Andy, we are very saddened to hear of Cindy’s death and want to express our deepest condolences. We wish you and your family well and hope that you can find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters.
Andy and family,
My heartfelt sympathy. I was sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing.
Andy:
Deeply sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
This news makes our hearts so sad. She was a wonderful mentor to so many youth including our daughter Meghan. Their ‘sewing sessions’ with Cindy after school will be cherished memories forever. Cindy was a true servant leader who unselfishly gave so much to so many….
Andy and Family,
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless!
We send our heartfelt sadness for the family of Cindy and Andy Swenson. Very loved Community couple-certainly the type of couple that brought & contributed so much to their community. With great sadness we send our deepest Sympathy’s to Cindy’s survivors.
Dale & Mary Ellen Reimers
Jamestown, No. Dakota
Andy and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. She was a warm and caring lady that I was fortunate to met through the 4-H program. I remember her at the ND State Fair and her selfless volunteering with the state 4-H Dress Revue, and also during the judging of the static exhibits. She always had a smile on her face and time for a visit. I hope that the memories of the happy times shared as a family will help ease your sorrow during this difficult time.
In sympathy.
Sharon Kickertz-Gerbig
With a bounce in her step and a sparkle in her eye, Cindy worked with 4-Hers at the North Dakota State Fair. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Cindy, she will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So sorry to read this. I so enjoyed Cindy when she was working the 4-H clothing revue at the North Dakota State Fair. God Bless and Keep you all.
My heartfelt sympathies to all of her family. May God comfort you and give you strength in the days to come. Lost touch many years ago, though heard this sad news via the grapevine. Many good laughs we had together as college roommates and friends.
Andy, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We celebrate our dear dear friend Cindy….and our hearts and prayers go out to Andy, Anna, Erika, Matt, and little Pip.
none of you know me, but Cindy helped us so much back in April 2015 with our daughter’s wedding (my mother-of-bride-dress, the little ring bearer’s suits, AND the bride’s dress etc) But even more than her talent was the way she reached out and blessed our family for no other reason than her kindness and generosity. I have been so sad since I read her obituary in the paper. I had not kept in touch and she has left a mark on all our lives. She even drove out to Barnesville to pick up the little boy suits at the rehearsal and then brought them to us again. My sister had recommended her, but honestly she treated us all like old friends. She spoke of making her daughter’s wedding dress later that year. Your mom was amazing. She touched lives for good with a sense of selflessness. What a heritage you all have. I will miss her.
Sorry for your loss, Andy.
Dear Andy and family,
It was a sad day when I heard that Cindy has passed. I first met Cindy at our annual Christmas parties from work and when I found out that she was a seamstress and did alternations I called on her to alter my daughter’s wedding dress. She not only altered the wedding dress, but also my other daughter’s dress as she was matron of honor and was 7 1/2 months pregnant with twin girls. It was surely a task to try and figure out what size she would be by the time of the wedding which was 18 years ago. Everyone looked beautiful! What a wonderful person Cindy was with always a smile on her face. Words are hard to express, but I pray that the Lord will comfort you and give you all peace.
Cindy was such a wonderful person and friend that I am heartbroken. We know that we are on earth for only a limited time but Cindy’s time was much too short. I am so sad but also thankful that she is now united with our Heavenly Father.
Life is so short, but memories are forever. I can only image the pain of your loss and pray that God’s love will bring your family comfort and peace as you cherish the time you had together. If the time comes that you need a willing listener, Andy, don’t hesitate to consider me.
Andy and home-circle. It was so sad to learn about your tragic loss. May her memories provide comfort during times of despair, and her life’s work be reflected in the good deeds of all those she touched. With deepest sympathies.
So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. We were friends in college. I remember her get it done attitude, her kind spirit and how she was a friend to all. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
I just found out your loss. My heart is sadden. Cindy touched our family in many ways. She first came into our life through 4-H. All 4 of our daughters were mentored by Cindy in some way through her sewing skills. She also inspired our daughter Thea to make her own prom dress. The constant affirmations and building up of people was the theme of her life. One always felt renewed when you were in her presence.
We are better people because of Cindy. We thank you for sharing her with us.
All our love and prayers,
Mark and Joan Klinnert
Hannah, Thea, Greta, and Theresa
It hurts to receive the news that such a wonderful person as Cindy passes away. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Swenson family…..
So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. She was a talented and wonderful seamstress and enjoyed visiting with her when we would drop items off. The sparkle in her eye and her smile will never be forgotten. Cindy was a beautiful person inside and out.
Prayers and Deepest Sympathy,
Karen & Mike Moore & Melina Taylor