Cynthia Ann Lowderman, 81, of Independence, passed away on September 12, 2020, with her family by her side.
She was born to Finley Oscar and Helen Blanche Spangler on December 12, 1938, in Jackson County, Missouri and graduated from Van Horn High School in 1957. She married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Lowderman, on June 27, 1958.
Cynthia adorned each endeavor with an infectious smile and inspirational optimism. She filled her home with love and understanding and encouragement. She was a cherished friend with a joyful heart. She believed the way to live was to Always Be Kind, Have a Good Attitude, and Never Give Up. She personified those principles her entire life, no matter the obstacle. She fought the brutality of Parkinson’s Disease with strength and boundless grace for 27 years.
Cynthia was a life-long Christian who loved sharing her testimony and her love of Jesus and His love for everyone. She was an ordained Elder in the Community of Christ Church. She volunteered with children her entire life and invested years organizing and leading young girls’ groups at church. Her annual “Birthday Party for Baby Jesus” will always be remembered by her grandchildren and the many other children who were always welcome to attend. To the delight of her grand and great-grandchildren she was a captivating story-teller who could mesmerize any audience, particularly when recounting the many miracles of her life, some of which were also published in the “Saints Herald.”
Cynthia was a mother to any soul who crossed her path, both human and feline. She had an endless capacity for love and a never-ending ability to look for the best in people. Her home was filled with joy, music, and the best pancakes, crescent rolls and snow-on-the-mountaintop cookies you have ever tasted. She loved being with family and friends, flower gardening, bird watching, embroidery, camping, canoeing, and witnessing God’s glory in nature. She loved to share her many gifts with any who wanted to learn. If you were so inclined, she would happily teach you how to play the piano, cook, bake, embroider, knit hats, or even weave a basket.
She devoted her life to her family, her friends, and her faith. Because of her strong faith she rests in the knowledge found in Romans 8:38-39: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Cynthia is survived by four adoring and devoted children: Kevin (Lori); Cheryl Hancock; Bryan; and Linda Siffring (Robert). She also leaves seven cherished grandchildren: Glenn, Michael, Christopher, Ryann, Kailey, Helen, and Elise, as well as five great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years and her brothers Gene and Danny Harder and Earl Spangler.
Cynthia loved to watch birds and always kept her feeders full. Through the last days of her life, dozens of birds continued to visit the house, rain or shine. On the day she left, the birds disappeared and most have not returned. After several days of rain and overcast skies, the sun came out when she rose to heaven.
Cynthia’s pure radiance will be dearly missed. Her legacy of love will live on through all who were blessed to have known her and shared the benefit of her example of strength, grace and goodness.
A private burial will be held. The family hopes to have a celebration of Cynthia’s life soon but due to the current pandemic believes it is best to wait till gathering is more safe.
Didn t know her ,Kansas city ,Missouri
What you said for your love one in kansas City Star was nice beauifull made me cry See I feed the Birds also. Mostly bread can t afford bird seed use to feed them bireseed. But I will keep feeding the Birds God bless Cynthia. It was so nice what you said about her I wish I I knew her and we were friends. Birds miss her I bet! From Margaret Brill
Ex-Son in law / Caregiver ,Independence ,Missouri
I was blessed with 2 opportunities to be blessed by Cynthia. First as part of her wonderful family and Second to help her through this horrible disease Parkinson's. Being her ex-son in law was a bit different but she and I became friends. At one point she tools me she wasn't too find if me understandably but as time went on we grew very close. Cynthia taught me what real strength and courage was. She fought this horrible disease with grace and dignity. The pain she had to endure would drive most people to their knees. I didn't know how she did it until i asked her and she said that through GOD and prayer you can endure anything as long as you believe and have faith! I remember asking her every night when I came over and allot of times she said "Not good but I will be" and I knew exactly what she meant. Then after that it was"Do you want some ice cream" I figured out quickly if I said no she wouldn't have any either so I always said I didn't think you were ever going to ask and we'd laugh. One of my favorite memories was when I came in and I always talked to her and went on and on and she said something I didn't hear but just nodded and kept going then she got louder and said Barry did you hear what I said and I said I'm sorry no i didn't and she told me to shut up! I just smiled and said yes ma'am. She would tell me some times why am I here I can't do much. I told her look at me she said ok what? Me and your granddaughter Ryann. We are lost and in need of help and that is what she did, she got both of us back in God's hands and i remember telling her thank you and told her that I loved her EVERY night with a kiss on her forehead. You know what? I don't miss her at all. She is now and forever with me. She has never left me because she was my miracle. Good bless you Cynthia! I love you dearly and THANK YOU! XO
Kailey Allen’s Mother in Law ,Sedalia ,Missouri
So sorry for your loss!! I only had the opportunity to meet her a few times. She was very sweet and kind. A proud Mother and Grandmother. I’m sure she will missed greatly. Now she can be at peace without pain. Love to her family, Teresa Stine