Cynthia L. Anderson

Cynthia L. Anderson (Cindy), 69, from Castle Rock passed away on June 26, 2015. Cindy was born on September 23, 1945 in Oakland, CA to Walter and Bertha Beck. She graduated from Oakland High School and attended University of California, Berkley. She had a short stint in modeling, and became an account in the oil and gas industry moving up to Senior Accountant before being downsized after 25 years in the industry.

She married the love of her life Dennis V. Anderson on June 29, 1985, and after 10 years of marriage became his business partner and the office manager/accountant for Anderson’s Home Services.

Cindy was diagnosed with emphysema in 1998. After a battle to quit smoking and staying smoke free for more than 18 months she receive a second chance at life by receiving her lung transplant on March 13, 2001. Her first prayer after giving thanks to God was asking him to use her new life to be a witness to others. This prayer was answered and then some.

Cindy first started volunteering during exercise classes 2 to 3 times a week, talking with other patients who were starting their process for becoming a lung transplant recipient. She would talk with them answering any questions they had and giving them the support and encouragement they needed during the process. She facilitated the Lung Transplant Support Group for several years. She also volunteered for the Donor Awareness Council and received an award from this organization for Volunteer of the Year in June 2007.

Cindy was instrumental in making the University of Colorado Hospital and Anschutz Campus non-smoking. She had contacted the CEO of the hospital on a Saturday evening in 2006 after hearing that the administration had allowed glass smoking huts on campus. She received a response on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours later. The CEO was moved regarding her passionately worded email detailing her journey through her addiction to smoking, being diagnosed with emphysema, and being given a second chance at life with her lung transplant. She stated in this email to the CEO, “How can we continue to be one of the premier lung transplant facilities in the world and ignore the very diseases that bring hundreds of patients to the University in the first place?” This is just one example of the powerful testament Cindy was to those around her.

Soon after this email she was invited to become a Member of the Patient & Family Center Care Council and continued serving until her passing. This council consists of patients, family members, and hospital staff which give suggestions to improve treatment plans and the quality of care for the patients at hospital. As part of this service she participated in the Tobacco Policy Task Force for which she received the President’s Award for her service which is usually reserved for staff members.

First and foremost she was a devoted servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Cindy was loved by many people and will be greatly missed.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Bertha Beck. She is survived by her husband Dennis V. Anderson; children Christina Pierce (Tim) and David V. Anderson; sister Carol Beck; nieces Xochitl Dyes and Cuicatl Montoya; grandchildren David A. Anderson (Kayli), Timothy J. Wyllie (Rachel), and Victoria, Jeanette and Anton Pierce; and great-grandchildren Cole, Sophia, Natalie, and Damian Anderson; and Madeline Wyllie.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to University of Colorado Hospital's Lung Transplant Fund. Please make checks payable to University of Colorado Hospital Foundation and place "In memory of Cindy Anderson" in the memo line. Send to: University of Colorado Hospital Foundation. 12401 E.17th Avenue, Mail Stop F485, Aurora, CO 80045.

Donations can also be made online at: https://uch.thankyou4caring.org

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