Cynthia Lee Dean

Cynthia Lee Dean, 54, departed this life Saturday, March 27, 2010.

Cindy was born on May 19, 1955 at Prairie City, Ore., the daughter of Oliver and Thelma Dean. Cindy spent her early years living in Oregon and Idaho.

Cindy moved to Libby and has been part of the Achievements family since 1976. She lived in the John Hirsch Group Home from 1976-93. From 1993 until her death, Cindy enjoyed living in an apartment setting at the Green Spring Apartments and for a few years at Green Meadow Manor.

Cindy enjoyed the quiet of having her own apartment, and was very particular in its decor. Country music star, Blake Shelton, caught Cindy’s eye as he was rising to stardom. Cindy filled her apartment with pictures and posters of Blake.

One of Cindy’s favorite memories was seeing Blake in concert at the State Fair in Great Falls in 2007. She had received a back stage pass, where she not only got to meet him, but had several pictures taken with him. In March 2009, Cindy had the opportunity to see Blake in concert again in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

Cindy was a constant at the Park Side Thrift Store, where she took great pride in organizing the baby clothes section, and sorting and pricing jewelry. Cindy also took her job of shredding documents seriously. Cindy’s 34-year connection with Achievements helped shape the direction of the organization, both in its residential and vocational services.

Cindy was well-known for her quick, to-the-point wit and no-nonsense approach to getting to the heart of the matter at hand. Her valiant fight against cancer has been an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Family and friends have many fond memories of Cindy, and will miss her greatly.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Dean, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Dean and Mr. and Mrs. William Gebauer. She is survived by her mother, Thelma Dean of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and sister Susan Dean of Kootenai, Idaho.

Visitation was planned for Tuesday, March 30 from 1-8 p.m., at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  Services will be Wednesday, March 31 at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with interment following in the Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

(Information provided by survivors through Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home).