Cynthia Hintz

July 22, 1952 - January 09, 2025

Obituary

WESTBY - Cynthia “Cindy” Hintz, age 72, of Westby, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was born on July 22, 1952, in Delavan, Wis., the daughter of Robert and Leola (Gorst) Hintz.

Cindy graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1972. She then attended the University of Wisconsin where she earned a master’s degree in reading and went on to complete additional course work specializing in reading and education. She worked as an elementary school teacher, starting with 5th grade before moving to 1st grade. She retired in 2017 but was still tutoring reading over zoom until she passed.

Cindy loved to read, and she was an extremely well-traveled. She spent three years in Nigeria and traveled throughout the Sahara Desert. She lived in Alabama, Indianapolis, Ind., Boston, Mass., Bath, Maine, where she taught elementary school for 30 years, Waunakee, Wis., and finally Westby.

Cindy’s dogs were her constant companions, and they brought her so much joy - in order of Cindy’s life: Molly, Holly, Tillie and Sadie. Sadie is now living with Cindy’s good friend, Kim.

Cindy is survived by her siblings, Bob and Sue; cousin, Cathy; nieces and nephews, Teri and Bob and Christi, Matthew and Nathan; and four great nieces and nephews, Olivia, Abby, Emma and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leola and Robert; and sister-in-law, Kathy.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday April 25, 2025.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.

A special thank you to Cindy’s best friends in Maine, Carol and Tedd and Mackenzie and Christopher.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Events

Celebration of Life

Fri Apr 25, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT

Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716

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Ann Casey

Other • 1 year ago

We are so sad for Cindy’s passing. She was our grandchild Carter’s tutor for the past four years. Though we never met in person, she was a weekly presence in our home every Friday afternoon. She met our kittens, saw my vegetable garden and watched the deer in our back year. She also “visited” our cottage in northern Wisconsin. Carter has made so much progress in all his subjects due to Cindy’s help. Here is a conversation I had with Carter a few years ago, that I immediately shared with Cindy: Carter and I were talking about the different school buildings in our district: C: We have a 12th grade. Me: Yes, it’s at the high school. Hopefully someday you’ll go to high school. C: If it wasn’t for Cindy I wouldn’t have even gotten to 3rd grade. Cindy did this affirmation with Carter at the end of every lesson and I can quote it word for word: “What is the most important thing I have taught you?” “I am very, very, very smart” “And I am very proud of you, and Grandma and Grandpa are very proud of you. But who should be most proud?” “Me” “Yes, because you are doing the hard work.” The most important thing that Cindy gave Carter was a belief in himself. Priceless! We will be at the celebration of life on Friday night.

Alisha Miete

Other • 1 year ago

I am deeply sorry to hear of Ms. Hintz’s passing. I found this a bit too late while seeking to see if I could find her, to express my gratitude. I am 36 now, but was her student for Math in 5th grade, in Maine. I loved every moment of her classes. I did not like math very much until she came into my life. The way she taught, visually, on an overhead projector changed everything for me. Sometimes with a marker, sometimes with counting blocks, etc. What she taught was the foundation that kept me going to not only understand it, but LOVE it. I joined the math team in High School, because I enjoyed it so much. I still love it. I still talk about Ms. Hintz regularly, and wish I could have told her myself. I loved reading more about her here. Thank you for sharing more about her. She was an absolute gem who changed my life, and was nothing but a positive light to so many of us. I will continue to carry some of her light with me when I talk about her.

Ron Perry

Other • 9 months ago

I am so saddened to read of the passing of Cindy. I met Cindy in 2005. She was the kindest, warmest, loving and passionate towards others I have ever met. When I met her she had Molly as a puppy dog. Molly was skiddish among other things. Cindy was so gentle and understanding with her! I will always love her!