Cynthia "Cindy" F. Ypsilanti's Obituary
Cindy Ypsilanti passed away the morning of March 19th, 2018 at the age of 64, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA she was the daughter of Richard Fleischer and Mary Lou Steen. Cindy’s calling was in education. She knew from childhood that she wanted to be a teacher, often playing teacher with the neighborhood children. She received a degree in education from Edinboro State Teachers College. One of her first teaching jobs was at the school at Orient Hospital in Lima, Ohio. There she advocated for better treatment and living conditions for the mentally and physically disabled students. Cindy continued to advocate for students throughout her career, touching the lives of many.
Cindy moved to the Florida Keys in 1978 in search of sunshine and a teaching position. She was hired to teach at Plantation Key School, but soon left to direct a day care center in Key Largo. In 1981 she was introduced to her future husband. They were married in 1982 on a lobster boat anchored off Sandy Key.
The newlyweds moved to Miami where Cindy worked at Grant Center Hospital in the Redlands. She advanced her career in education by obtaining a master’s degree in special education and later a second master’s degree in school guidance counseling. She returned to the Keys in 1984. Her love of Early Childhood Education led her to write the early childhood education curriculum for Florida Keys Community College and to teach the early childhood courses as an adjunct professor. Cindy took a position at Coral Shores High School as a special education teacher, and later was the school’s guidance counselor. Prior to her retirement she was the guidance counselor at Key Largo School.
Cindy was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and faithful friend. She is survived by her husband Chris, her children Dan and Sara, and her grandchildren Ray and Townes. She will be remembered for her joy for life, resilience, beautiful smile, her faith in God and love for her friends and family.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 NE First Street, with Rev. George Holston officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.
Cindy has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the following organizations: Coral Shores High School College Scholarship Fund, Chris Harris, Counselor, 89901 Old Highway Tavernier, FL 33070; Key Largo School Relay for Life, 104801 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037; St. James the Fisherman Children’s Center, Sue Ellen Bennett, Director, 87500 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 or Gabriel House of Care, 4599 Worrall Way Jacksonville, FL 32224.
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