Cindy Lou Kowalski

Cindy Lou Kowalski, 58, of Rochester, MN passed away August 7, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN.

Cindy was born June 5, 1959 in Rice Lake, WI to Robert and Doris (Laveau) Kowalski.  She graduated from North High School, Eau Claire, in 1977.  She then moved to Rochester with long time friend Amy Cook to attend nursing school.  She graduated as a LPN and immediately went to work for Mayo Health Systems at St. Mary’s and Methodist Hospitals, and continued there until she was unable to work due to cancer.  She was a firm believer in being an advocate for her patients and her selfless devotion (and stubbornness) made her a wonderfully caring nurse.  She initially worked for many years as a LPN in the mental health field and then spent the remaining years working for the urology team. 

She was a caring, loyal, and devoted daughter and sister, spending many weekends traveling to Eau Claire to spend time with her Mom, brother, and sister-in-law. 

One of her great loves was her little boy, Jazzy, her Yorkshire terrier.  They rarely were apart, except when she was at work caring for her patients.  She would carry on whole conversations with him and she was certain he understood.  His passing was one of her saddest days, but they are now reunited.

Her favorite place, and site of many of her favorite memories, was the Atlantic Ocean at Ocean City, MD.  She loved the tranquility of watching the water and the peaceful feeling of falling asleep to the sound of the waves.

She was never afraid of hard work; ready to tackle a project as long as she could get up early to hit the sales.  She enjoyed shopping, but even more than the shopping itself, she loved to “get a good deal” at the thrift stores and garage sales.  She had many collections and enjoyed hunting down the next addition.  She also enjoyed her flower gardens, reading, baking, and eating delicious meals, whether with friends at a restaurant, or having a home cooked meal with her family.

Cindy loved her family and friends and her selflessness was continually demonstrated to them, always putting others before herself.  Her sparkling personality, which could be seen in the glint of her eyes, drew others to her, and created many special, long time friendships.  She loved unconditionally and with her whole heart and soul, which could be felt in her comforting hugs.  The love she shared with her friends was truly exceptional.  It was a family born of love, though not blood. 

Although she fought five long years against cancer, for us, it was still too soon.  We will miss her every day and are thankful for all that she shared with us and taught us, the last being how to die with dignity and grace.

A special thank you to “Cindy’s Angels” who made it possible for her to remain in her home throughout her illness:  Carolyn, Kim, Deb, Ruthie, Jason, Tracy, Amy, Nancy, Laevita, and her hospice caregivers. 

She is survived by her mother, Doris Demars, brother and sister in law, Terry and Michelle Demars, and canine nephews Finley and Bernie, all of Eau Claire, WI. Aunt Jewel Laveau, Laurel, MD, many cousins, nephews, nieces, and special family friends Marilyn Falkenthal, Rice Lake, WI, and Vitalis and Laetitia Ezekwem, Rochester, MN.  Many friends and co-workers further survive her.

She was preceded in death by her father Robert Kowalski, brother Randy Kowalski, sister Bonnie Demars, uncle Darrold Laveau, and her grandparents. 

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