Cynthia Johannsen

“Cyndi”

1961-2011

Our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend -Cynthia Camille Johannsen (Cyndi Ulibarri)- passed away on September 21, 2011, surrounded by family. Cyndi passed of organ failure after a battle with diabetes and was being prepared for a liver transplant. Cynthia was like a beautiful vibrant flower always in bloom with good cheer and open to others. She faced life’s challenges with great determination to beat the odds. We have lost a real anchor to our family.

Cyndi was born on July 1, 1961 in Salt Lake, to Jose (Joe Jr.) Trinidad Ulibarri and Rosa Gallegos Ulibarri (Williams). Cynthia married Michael Johannsen on October 13, 1995. She had three children: Haley Brooke Rogers-Ulibarri (Jesse Klinger), Jeremiah (JJ) Johannsen, and Thomas (Tommy) Nelson. Cyndi is survived by her mother Rose, parents-in-law Duane and Beverly Johannsen of Holladay, sister Sabrina Carmel of Taylorsville, brothers Robert Joe of West Valley, Kelly-Joe of Taylorsville, and Joshua Estevan (Stormie Sanchez-Ulibarri) of Phoenix, AZ. She is preceded in death by her husband Michael, her father Joe, her brother Rodney (Beverly) and her stepfather Anthony “Chief” Williams.

Cyndi was born and raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School where she was active in drill, drama and speech, student government, and represented the school as a Sterling Scholar. Cyndi worked from a young age and started a professional business career in banking where she rose to become a branch manager. She earned an Associates Degree in business. Cyndi was Roman Catholic and taught religion to young children at Saint Francis Xavier Parish.

Cyndi had a really silly personality that kept her happy and brought smiles and laughter to others. She was always laughing and ready to hear a good joke. She loved animals and would nurture and rehabilitate those abused by others. She loved sci-fi, scary movies, and brainteasers. Her true commitment was to her large family and she was a great source of support and never-ending encouragement; she made you feel like you could accomplish anything. From a young age she helped raise and mentor her siblings and then was able to raise her own children with love and kindness; her children’s friends loved and will miss her. Her many nieces and nephews enjoyed watching movies with her and sharing in treats.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the University of Utah liver and kidney medical teams for their wonderful care and effort on Cyndi’s behalf. A memorial gathering will be held Tuesday September 27, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at Valley View Memorial (4335 West, 4100 South, West Valley).