Cynthia Nieman

Cynthia “Cindy” Lou Nieman, 62, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2020, at Royal Oaks Health Care Center, Sun City, AZ, with her family at her side. Cindy put up a strong fight against glioblastoma brain cancer before the disease won the battle. Cindy was born in Aledo, IL on March 28, 1957, the youngest of four children born to Louis and Anita Simpson. Siblings welcoming Baby Cindy were Judy Simpson Calhoun (Jim) of Macomb, IL, David Simpson (deceased) (Gennie) of Alexis, IL, and Myron Simpson (Daleanne) of Bradenton, FL. Cindy first resided on a farm west of Alexis and then in the village of Alexis. She graduated from Alexis High School, and enjoyed playing softball. She graduated from Carl Sandburg Jr. College, and earned a BS degree from Western Illinois University majoring in Parks and Recreation. While still living in Illinois, Cindy met and eventually married her loving husband, Mark Nieman in the fall of 1979. Mark preceded Cindy in death on April 2, 2014. A few years after their marriage Mark and Cindy moved to Phoenix, AZ where they started a family and raised two beautiful daughters, Melissa and Emily. Cindy’s compassion for helping others led her to pursue a career in the area of geriatric care. She worked for several years at the Carillons Retirement Home in Sun City, AZ as an activity director, and then worked for the Licensed Private Fiduciary, Professional Community Services, Inc, as an associate and case manager until her passing. Throughout her 32 year career with PCS, Cindy became well known and respected in the Sun City community touching the lives of the many people she encountered and cared for. Cindy was known for her dedication to her job and family, her love for sports, and was one who could bring a smile to anyone’s face. During her 6 month fight, Cindy never lost her sense of humor and was admired by many for her courage and determination. She kept such a positive attitude about people and life itself. Cindy was truly an inspiration and will be remembered for her heart of gold. Cindy was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by the many people who are mourning her loss. Cindy is survived by her two daughters, Melissa Nieman (Jake) of Phoenix, AZ, and Emily Nieman Coker (Matthew) of Ghent, WV, two grandchildren, Mason Coker and Haley Coker, her siblings (listed above) and 7 nieces and nephews, Julie Hannen, Jeff Calhoun, John David Simpson, Amy Tavano, Lori Creighton, Casey Simpson, and Andy Simpson. A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation at glioblastomafoundation.org