Cynthia "Cindy" M Mabie

MIDDLETON-Cynthia Myrna (Underkofler) Mabie died on Sunday, February 12, 2017 after a brief illness and 30 years of life with multiple sclerosis (MS). She died in her home, surrounded by her family. She was 60. Cindy was born 3 days before Christmas, 1956 to the late James and Dorothy (Paske) Underkofler. She graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in 1975 and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from UW-Eau Claire in 1980. On May 28, 1977, she married her beloved husband David Rolland Mabie at Midvale Lutheran Church in Madison. David and Cindy's 40 years of marriage and their mutual love and devotion are an inspiration to all who have been blessed to observe it. Cindy came to faith in Christ as a teenager at a Young Life camp in Colorado; love for her God, family, and neighbors defined her life. She introduced everyone she met to a God of love, compassion, hope and joy. Cindy was diagnosed with MS in 1988. The disease and its effects would become inextricably linked to Cindy and her story yet it never overshadowed her. Whatever MS took away only enhanced her spirit. Cindy was a fighter who never gave up, never complained, and never gave power to fear. To her last moment, she moved confidently forward with an assurance and purpose hard won through faith. Cindy created beauty and laughter for everyone in her orbit: birthdays and holidays—especially the 4th of July—are indelibly marked by the creativity, hospitality and joy of her celebrations. To the very last days of her life, she was a mom. Her love was fierce and creative in its expression. When her disease limited her mobility and her ability to write, Cindy persisted in spreading love and encouragement with handmade cards and handwritten notes. Cindy is survived by her husband, David; her children and their spouses: Joshua and Kerstin Mabie, Nathan and Lynn Mabie, and Ashley (Mabie) and Micah Smith; 5 grandchildren: Ingrid, Peter, Lewis, Eleanor, and Margot; 4 brothers: Jim, Tom, Craig, and Kevin; sister-in-law Deb; 3 brothers-in-law: Dan, Dean, and Doug; nieces and nephews; in-laws; her devoted caregiver Nikki; many, many friends; and, her service dog O'Rillee. Cindy was a force. Her family and friends will miss her independence, optimism, loyalty, sincerity, beauty, and wisdom; but they rejoice that she has inherited eternal life and sees her Lord face to face. Family and friends will celebrate Cindy's life at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 16, at HIGH POINT CHURCH, 7702 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53717. Pastor Laurie Eaton will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00-7:00pm. Cindy's body will be laid to rest near her mother in the churchyard of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia the following morning. All errors in style, punctuation, and usage are the fault of the authors, but they ask that you kindly remember that they have lost their best editor and proofreader.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.