Born Feb 5, 1947 and died on July 20, 2011, at age 64, as a result of complications from diabetes, which she developed at a young age. Cynthia was a devout Catholic; she and her husband, Ted, were members of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
Cynthia was born in San Antonio, Texas to Alois and Dorothy Braun, and was third of six children. Their home was filled with love and laughter. Cynthia attended St. Martin Hall, St. Mary’s, and Providence High School.
Cynthia founded her own insurance agency, Regnier & Associates, in 1982 after many years of working in the insurance industry. This occurred at a time when women-owned businesses were in the minority. Cynthia received many accolades for her accomplishments and was featured in Austin Magazine in 1986. Some of the highlights in her professional life included obtaining her Certified Insurance Counselor designation, appointment as Regional Director of VFIS (Volunteer Fire Insurance Services) and serving as Chairman of the Education Committee for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas.
Aside from Cynthia’s professional accomplishments, she and Ted happily became foster parents during the 1970’s. Cynthia’s passion for children and family also led her to become a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). This involved many hours of training and commitment. During the 1980’s, both were deeply involved in the production of Austin’s Aqua Fest and many lasting friendships were formed during this time in their lives.
Cynthia was passionate about her family and extended family, always willing to open her heart and home to friends, new and old. She was a “patron” of educational needs for her many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, providing everything from lodging to gas money. Her “prize money” and generosity to these young people were known to many, and she could often be heard bragging about their activities and accomplishments.
She is survived by her husband Ted, her daughter Michelle, and her granddaughter, Izabelle Ori Regnier, the light of her life. She also leaves 5 brothers and sisters: Bo Ogden, Buddy Braun, Linda Lackey, Larry Braun, and Jennifer Korba; their spouses Tony Ogden, Deborah Kay Braun, Mike Lackey, Susie Braun, and Bret Korba, respectively.
She lives on through her 7 nieces and 3 nephews, 18 great-nieces and -nephews, and 427 more that she considered her own. She wrapped these blessed children in her laughter, love and the best of intentions for successful lives ahead. She gave to each of them richly and bestowed upon them support of all kinds.
Cynthia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was happiest when she was bestowing order and celebration among us. She was alight with hope for a happy ending, and armed with dedication enough to make it happen. She was a philanthropist, a real estate enthusiast, and a mentor. She was dedicated to tradition and lived for holidays and prize-giving occasions. In fact, she was a real life fairy godmother. She gave time and boundless effort to shepherding each and every one of us to better places, as better people, and we will miss her terribly.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 26th of July 2011, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. A Rosary will be recited at seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at half past ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 27th of July, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas with Msgr. Bill Brooks as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers and the customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 E-mail: info@jdrf.org or the Austin Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 9430 Research Boulevard, suite 150, Austin, Texas 78759.
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