Obituary of Cynthia Lee Schaefer

Cynthia Lee Schaefer (née Magnuson),  nicknamed “Cindy Bear” by her dad, passed away at home in Golden Valley, MN on March 24, 2025. She is preceded in death by her father Gerald and mother Marilyn.  Born in Great Falls, Montana, Cindy grew up in Edina and attended the University of Wisconsin before graduating from the University of Minnesota.  Cindy was always the life of the party and took every opportunity to take the stage to sing her favorite song, Bye Bye Blackbird. She also loved playing a competitive game of Scrabble or Yahtzee when family gathered. Cindy had a successful career in sales throughout her lifetime and loved to travel.  She is survived by her sister Krister, husband Claude and their children Garrett and Natalie.  Natalie and Garrett brought her great pride, joy and laughter —she loved entertaining them at her home in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood.  Cindy had a vibrant personality, a quick wit and brought joy and laughter to those around her.   She will be sorely missed.  A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held in May. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to TheRetreat.org or Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge @ mntc.org.