Cindy Sue (Burford) Lewis, 79, of Monmouth, IL, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at 4:40 p.m.
She was born on July 28, 1947, to Robert W. Burford and Juanita Patterson.
Cindy was raised on several farms throughout Warren County, where her love of nature, animals, gardening and the simple beauty of the world around her began. Those loves remained with her throughout her life.
On March 24, 1967, she married the love of her life, Michael (Mick) D. Lewis. Together, they built a family and shared a lifetime filled with adventures, laughter, education, community and countless memories.
Cindy was a lifelong learner and believed deeply in the importance of education. At the age of 50, she proudly graduated from Monmouth College in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Ed with a minor in Literature and Art. She had a genuine appreciation for art in all its forms and found beauty and creativity in places others might overlook.
She shared that passion with children as an art presenter in the Monmouth schools, introducing young people to artists, artwork and the joy of looking at the world creatively. Her artistic side was also reflected in her love of photography, antiques, illustrations, gardening and children’s books. She collected beautiful and interesting things, appreciating not only their appearance but also the history and stories behind them.
Throughout her life, Cindy touched the lives of countless children. She worked in the Garfield Elementary School library and later taught with PASS Education, at Warren School, and Cook Elementary in Galesburg. She also taught swimming at the old YMCA in Monmouth during the 1970s.
She was a gifted storyteller, and children seemed to gravitate toward her almost immediately. She volunteered at the Warren Public Library, where she loved reading to children, and was a passionate advocate for children’s literature and the importance of reading to children from a very young age.
She was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was an excellent cook and had a discerning appreciation for good food and quality ingredients.
Cindy also had a deep commitment to her community. She supported the United Way and served on its board. She believed in giving back, especially when it came to helping children and families. Her generosity and dedication to her community reflected the same care she gave to the people she loved.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. Burford and Juanita Patterson, and her sister, Rebecca “Becky” Rogers-Nebe.
She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Lewis; daughter, Amy Sue (Lewis) Romano and Jeff Romano; son, Adam Michael Lewis; grandchildren, Rachel Elizabeth Santoro (Nick), Hannah Ambriehl Romano and Sophia Claire Romano; great-granddaughter, Aria Rose Santoro; brother, Larry Burford of Sherrard; nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
A celebration of life will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with remarks from family and friends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Way, the Buchanan Center for the Arts or the Children’s Library at the Warren County Library in Monmouth and can be sent to the funeral home. Those who wish to honor Cindy’s memory may also plant a tree in her memory. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
