Cinda R. Downin, 72, died after a short bout with cancer, Saturday, January 28, 2023 in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg with her family by her side.
Cinda was born December 6, 1950 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of Wayne B. and Mary A. (Pifer) Reynolds. She graduated from Avon High School and attended Carl Sandburg College.
Cinda married Jerry L. Downin on June 9, 2003 in Galesburg. He survives as do two sons, Michael (Carrie) Heimer of Bakersfield, CA and David (Jessica) Heimer of Colchester, Illinois; one daughter, Rebecca Heimer of Galesburg; and two step-sons, Nicholas (Jennee) Downin of Galesburg and J.T. (Kara) Downin of Galesburg. Cinda is also survived by her beloved 11 grandchildren, Heath Gibbons, Jr., Channing Gibbons, twins-Caleb and Reegan Heimer, Noah Downin, Elliot Downin, Olivia Downin, Joshua Downin, Jakob Downin, Conner Downin, and Kelsie Downin. Cinda was preceded in death by her parents.
Cinda worked in dining services at Knox College for 15 years, retiring in January of 2016. While working at Knox, Cinda developed a close relationship with many of the students and became their “mom away from home.” She was still in contact with many of them after graduation. Cinda was a longtime auxiliary member of Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381, Abingdon, Illinois. She enjoyed being at home, whether it was tending to her flower or vegetable garden, being in the kitchen, cooking and baking, or just being with Jerry and her beloved cat. Most of all, Cinda loved being surrounded by her family and grandchildren and loved attending all their events.
A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Private family burial of cremated remains will be at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in Cinda’s memory to the Peoria Affiliate Clinic-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com
