Cynthia L. Rankinen, age 61, of 421 Prince St., Negaunee passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee where she had been a resident for the past 2 months. She had been in the loving care of her family, staff members and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Cyndy was born April 1, 1956 in Republic the daughter of the late Clarence and Helmi (Olander) Rankinen. She spent her entire early life in Republic,
graduating from the Republic High School in 1974. She attended NMU for a year and then lived in Connecticut working as a mother's helper while attending computer classes. She became engaged to Eddie Burwell, who died prior to their pending marriage of a brain tumor.

Cyndy returned to the Upper Peninsula, working various jobs, including Michaelean's Computer Services, the Woman's Center and the Marquette Salvation Army. Cyndy enjoyed nature, her cats, many friends, and most of all her daughter Crystalyn and her husband Carl and their children. She was always young at heart. She courageously faced cancer and discussed the afterlife, dying peacefully with dignity.

Survivors include her daughter Crystalyn (Carl) Geoffrion of Negaunee; grandchildren – Seth, Jareth, Eilli and Carli; sister LaVerne Antilla of Republic; brother Donald (Marcy) Rankinen of Republic; nieces Carrie, Sandra and Diane; nephews – Dean and Jon; many cousins; and longtime friends – Michele Rankinen and Keith Dupras who was Crystalyn's father.

Cyndy's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am – 11:00am on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate.

Cyndy's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.