Gladstone, MI
Daughter. Sister. Wife. Mother. Teacher. Friend. Grandmother.
Cindy Blahnik (Miller), who was all those things and more to so many, passed peacefully with her family by her side on November 16, 2024.
Born on December 6, 1950 Cindy embarked on a life that would be full of family, friends, community and adventure.
Before her husband Wayne caught up to her in the early 80s, Cindy was a dancing disco queen who moved to the UP to teach English and French to the young people of Gladstone, Michigan.
There she met her husband and fell in love with him and our way of life in this community. She taught at Gladstone High School for 36 years, often a full load of both English and her true passion—French.
Every four years she co-organized and co-chaperoned a group of students and family members for a French & Spanish Club trip to Europe. This included detailed and ambitious plans designed to explore the culture she loved with young people and inspire them to seek far horizons. For two weeks in the summer her group would tour through Europe with stops in London, Paris, and Madrid with many points of interest sprinkled throughout.
One of those club trips included her son Michael and her daughter K.C. On that particular trip the chaperoning was extra hard work, and not because of K.C.
Later in life, her children blessed her with a growing and loving family—three precious grandchildren; Connor, Emilia, and Callan. Known to them as Gaga, she loved them with all her heart and they love her too.
She joins in heaven her mom Dorothy, dad Francis, sister Mary, brother Tom, many allies, and many friends. She has been looking forward to seeing them—people she loved so much.
For those that will join her someday, she suggested not to rush, to enjoy the little moments that make life rich, and to be kind to one another.
Au revoir?
Ce n’est pas un adieu.
À tout à l’heure!
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Gladstone Library.
Jay - Pleasant Ridge, MI
Miss Miller, as I knew her, was one of my favorite teachers of all time—French I and II. After all these years, I still vividly remember how she invited a group of us students in the French Club to her apartment for dinner and a night of boardgames in the late 70’s. Not many teachers would do that. She really loved her students. My condolences to the family and all who knew her.
Melinda Dollhopf - Muskogee, OK
You will be missed and you were thought of so often. You put up with my mess of being a teenager and were so inspiring my entire high school career. Prayers to Mike, KC & family.
Judy Teale - Greenville, WI
Gladstone lost some of its sunshine with the passing of Mrs. Blahnik. She was such a phenomenal mentor who touched the hearts of so many of her students. She had a beautiful way of convincing us to step out of our comfort zone while still ferociously protecting us from anyone who tried to limit our attempt. She was so very genuine! I laugh and say that three years of French was lost on me because I don’t use it much, but what was never lost on me was the opportunity to be in her classroom for three extra classes! Rest in paradise, Mrs. Blahnik! Thank you for the priceless lessons you taught me in high school. You will always be remembered fondly! ❤️
Jackie Mott - Orange Park, FL
Au revoir Cindy, you were the best teacher. Three years of French and a trip to Europe. Memories forever.
May you rest in peace.
Wayne and family, condolences and prayers for Peace.
Jennifer Darmogray-Lombard - Bradenton, FL
Mrs. Blahnik was my teacher first, then I became her children’s babysitter and finally we became friends. Over the years I looked forward to the family Christmas letter and catching up.
Cindy was an amazing mother, mentor and confidant. She will be remembered happily.
My thoughts and prayers are with Wayne, Michael, KC and their families.
Margie (Laughbaum) Sande - Beverly Hills, MI
I was Miss Miller’s student early in her Gladstone teaching career; she was one of my favorite teachers. I had her for English, 4 years of French, was in the French Club, and also went on one of those European trips. Some of my fondest high school memories took place in her class and on that trip. She was not only a fun teacher who enjoyed her students, but also a worldly and intelligent young woman who impressed and inspired me.
Susan Harris - Bark River, Mi
Cindy was a spark plug in the lives she touched. I was blessed to be included in her friend circle for the past 48 years! And oh the fun we had presenting live performances of classic fairy tales via the AAUW Children’s Theater! I was greatly honored to serve as a bridesmaid when she married the love of her life. There are so, so many memories!
Tom and I send our thoughts and prayers to Wayne, KC, Michael and their families. ❤️
Mike Smith - Cambridge, WI
Mrs. Blahnik was one of the most caring and kind-hearted people I’ve ever known. I am forever grateful to her and the rest of the family for all the time spent at my “second home” throughout middle and high school. Despite all our shenanigans she never once responded with anything but love and guidance. Her resoundingly positive impact on this world as a teacher, mentor, and mother is testament to her compassionate soul. All my love to the family.
Pat Reyes - Staten Island, NY
My deepest condolences to the family. May Mrs. Blahnik rest in peace and her memory be a blessing. We will continue to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Pat Reyes and Family
Peggy Stemick - Rapid River , Mi
Wayne and family,
So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. She always made the best Christmas cookies. My sympathy to you all.
Bradford Failing - Marysville , WA
Au revoir Ms. Miller you were one of my favorite teachers at Gladstone High School. RIP
Gina & Guy Potvin - Zeeland, MI
She was a special friend. She was a great teacher. I enjoyed working with her at GHS.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy & Tim LeGault - Gladstone, MI
Dear Wayne, Michael & K.C.,
Our hearts go out to you in deepest sympathy. Cindy had such a warm & loving personality. She was so easy to like. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. We are thinking about you during this very sad and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nancy & Tim LeGault
Shari Mohabir - Golden Valley, MN
Dear Mike and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mother sounds amazing! (I understand the roots of why you are such a great person to work with as well.)
May you find peace and comfort in the many great memories with her, to include your great travel adventures. We are all thinking of you at this time.
With sympathy,
Marcia Brown - St. Louis, MO
Dear Mike and the Blahnik family,
Mrs. Cindy Blahnik was an amazing soul whom God lent to the world to shine her great light to illumine others. Teachers are special envoys that shape lives in infinite ways. Mrs. Cindy’s story is one of inspiration for us all to fulfill our life’s purpose with good intentions for humanity. Clearly Mrs. Blahnik achieved that mission, which is also apparent through her son Mike’s wonderful character, warm spirit and tremendous way with words. My deepest condolences for this great loss.
In honor of Mrs. Blahnik from one French speaker to another: “J’espère vous rencontrer au ciel.”
With sympathy…
Marcia Brown-Rafyord
Cathy Pearce - Escanaba, MI
I met Cindy Miller when I was about 13/14 years old at a summer French class. Then, she was my 10th grade English teacher known at Mrs. Blahnik. I remember asking who she was and I was told, Miss Miller got married!