Cynthia Orensten

Cynthia L. Orensten (Cindi), 62, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by her family late afternoon Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, MN.

Cindi was born August 25, 1954 and raised in Albert Lea, MN. She moved to Ashland, WI with her husband Lloyd in 1979, where they raised their two daughters, Naomi and Rebekah. She is survived by Lloyd, her husband of 38 years, her sister, Julie, two daughters, Rebekah and Naomi, son-in-law Hed and her grandson, Shalev and many loving nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Cindi will be remembered for her welcoming, loving nature and her special sense of humor. She loved traveling, especially cruising with Lloyd, lunches and excursions with her girlfriends, spending quality time with her poodles, a good game of bridge, and was a particularly talented cook. She prioritized serving her community and helping others, specifically in volunteering with the New Day Shelter and Alcoholics Anonymous. She proudly carried in her purse a medallion symbolizing her 42 years of sobriety. She was an active member of the local Jewish community and enjoyed sharing Jewish traditions with others, especially Jewish culinary delights. Family was particularly important to Cindi and she took great joy in the life and accomplishments of her two daughters, and was thrilled to recently have become a proud, doting grandmother/bubbie to 4-month old baby Shalev, son to Naomi and Hed.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11am at Temple Israel (1602 E 2nd St Duluth, MN), followed by burial at Tifereth Israel Cemetery.

In the Jewish tradition, the family will observe Shiva and receive friends from 3-7pm Saturday and Sunday at their home in Ashland.

Contributions in memory of Cindi may be made to The New Day Shelter in Ashland, Temple Israel in Duluth, and the AA Serenity Club.

Arrangements under the direction of Dougherty Funeral Home Duluth, MN., 218-727-3555.