Long time Park Ridge resident, Cynthia Duwel, passed away November 23, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her older son, Charles T. Duwel, as well as her parents, Ruth and Harry Johnson, and siblings H. Thomas Johnson and Patricia J. Henning.  Cynthia is survived by her younger son, Pete (Patti) Duwel, and her daughters Maggie (Tobin) Rice and Emily Rosemin.  Cynthia was blessed with four grandchildren who will miss her greatly:  Chris and Geoff (Beth) Daupert, Alycia Rosemin, and Jim Duwel.  She was able to meet and enjoy her two great-granddaughters, Georgia and Charlotte Daupert. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Johnson and her two nephews Scott and Blake Johnson.

Cynthia graduated from New Trier High School and attended Rockford College for a year.  She then took time to raise her family.  Once her children were in school, she went to work at Square D Corporation which, at that time, was located in Park Ridge.  While at Square D, she returned to college and ultimately earned an undergraduate degree at De Paul School for New Learning.  Not one to be satisfied when more was available to her, Cynthia decided to continue on with her education.  She left Square D, researched her options, and decided to completely switch careers.  She chose to attend  National Lewis University where she earned a graduate degree in Addictions Counseling.  She took her newly-earned knowledge to work at Haymarket House in downtown Chicago.

Cynthia lived in Park Ridge for more than 60 years, giving her lots of time to become involved in a variety of activities.  She participated in many varied events.  She danced her way through numerous Field School Follies as well as several variety shows at the Park District Senior Center.  The Senior Center became a home-away-from-home for her.  She spent many hours attending exercise classes, book talks, participating in a variety of trips, and just enjoying the companionship of the wonderful people she met there.

Cynthia always had a smile on her face and was willing to help anyone who asked.  She enjoyed spending time with all of her children and other family members; she loved to travel whether it was on a mission trip with the Community Church Youth Group, going on a tour of the Holy Lands, or simply driving to Virginia to visit her grandson in the Navy.  Her positive outlook and cheerful personality will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation Sunday, November 26, 4 to 7 pm; funeral service Monday, November 27, 10 am at Nelson Funeral Home, 820  Talcott Ave., Park Ridge. Interment Town of Maine Cemetery. For more information please call 847-823-5122.