Obituary of Cynthia Fay

Cynthia Fay, age 67, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2017 after living for two and half years with ALS. She was lovingly surrounded by family and friends who were honored to walk with her throughout her journey. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ruth Fay and her sister Cheri Brakey, all of Williston, ND. She is survived by her wife of 29 years Kit Hadley, sister Elaine Kinnard (Dave) of Billings, MT, brother Brad Fay (Lisa) of Bismarck, ND, sister Stephanie Fay (Nancy Aarsvold) of Saint Paul; nieces Tonya Katcher (Robin), and Lisa Webster (John); nephews Chad Watterud (Dawn), Derek Watterud (Lai), Michael Brakey (Kessa), Brandon Fay, Austin Fay (Shelby), and Marcus Fay; and many loving cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews. In recent years, she particularly enjoyed being an honorary grandmother to her grandniece Evie. A graduate of Tufts Medical School, Cynthia was a physician with Health Partners, serving the community for over 35 years and retiring from the Inver Grove Heights Clinic. She was active throughout her life, horseback riding, running, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, canoeing, dancing, hiking and walking. She loved working with her hands, making stained glass and fused glass art, papermaking, cooking, home brewing, framing, wood-turning and carpentry, giving many beautiful gifts to all who crossed her path. Growing up a North Dakota farm girl, she grew to love her cabin in Cloverdale, MN, which she tended with care and shared generously, welcoming family, friends and neighbors. She is remembered as a woman of few words and strong presence, with a mischievous sense of humor and a deep moral compass. A celebration of life service is planned for Thursday, November 2 at 5:00 p.m. at "Elements" on the 6th floor of the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown Saint Paul. Gifts in memory may be made to Friends of the Mississippi or The ALS Association.