Cynthia “Cindy” Sue (Damitz) Stock was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 5th 1952 and was then adopted out of Kalamazoo, Michigan by Vi and Jim Damitz of Gladstone where she completed their family of four with her brother Mike. In her youth she worked at the Hilltop Drive-In on Danforth road in Escanaba which was family owned and run by her grandparents. Cindy excelled academically graduating with honors from Gladstone High School with the class of 1970. She continued her education at Bay College earning her Associates Degree and moving on to Michigan Technological University where she earned her Bachelors of Science with a degree in Medical Technology. Feeling uninspired by her career choices that pertained to her degree, Cindy returned home to Gladstone and found herself back at the drive in as well as working as a waitress/bartender at the North Dixie Bar owned by her brother Mike and his wife Linda. It was working these odd jobs she answered an ad for a teacher’s aide position at a local head-start. She was turned down for the position with her first application but determined Cindy applied again and was hired. It was there she discovered her true passion; teaching. She earned her teaching certification from Northern Michigan University and was hired by the Gladstone School System at their Flat Rock Elementary school teaching 4th and 6th grades. It was at Flat Rock that she spent the majority of her career. When Gladstone added 6th grade to their Junior High School, Cindy followed and finished her career teaching grades 6-8th at the Gladstone Junior High School. Her passion and dedication to education were a driving force for who she was as a woman.
Family meant everything to Cindy. She was very involved with the raising of her 3 nieces and 1 nephew often referring to them as her “children before children.” In 1983 Cindy met the man of her dreams and her best friend for life in Victor “Vic” Stock Jr. They married in late September of that year and welcomed their first child, Jessica Jayne, in early March 1984. In 1987 tragedy struck as Vic and Cindy lost their second child and only son John Edward to prenatal complications. Broken hearted but still seeking to grow their family Cindy and Vic tried and succeeded in 1988 with the birth of their second daughter Cassandra Joy. Feeling satisfied with their family they decided to not have anymore children but God had other plans and in late 1989 arriving 13 weeks early, third daughter, Regina Marie, was born at just 2lbs 1oz. With this final addition the Stock family was complete.
From early in life Cindy was devoted to her church and church family. As a member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, Cindy dedicated her talents as an educator teaching Sunday School each week and leading the Youth group when the need arose. She was also very musically active in the church as a member of the bell choir and also as a part time pianist for the early service. Her faith in God was contagious and unwavering even in her last days.
Cindy is survived by her husband Victor and three daughters Jessica, Cassandra, and Regina of Gladstone. As well as her brothers James “Mike” (Susan) Damitz, John (Terri) Brooks, Scott Brooks, her sister Jackie (Mike) Johnson and many many nieces and nephews and “adopted” children and their families. Cindy has been united in heaven with her parents James and Violet (Boldus) Damitz, biological mother Charlene (Dennis) Brooks of Kalamazoo and in-laws Victor and Betty (Gauthier) Stock Sr of Gladstone.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Memorial Services will follow at 12:00 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers please forward any monetary donations to CAA research at: www.angiopathy.org or J. Philip Kistler Stroke Center 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 300 Boston, MA 02114; GBS research at: www.gbs-cdip.org or 375 East Elm Street, Suite 101 Conshocken, PA 19248; or The World Wildlife Fund at: www.worldwildlifefund.org or World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037
Tderesa Kuehl - Gladstone, MI
Jess and to the whole Stock Family … I’m so so sorry for your loss .. I knew Cindy for a long time . Loved her . She had such a kind personality and a big loving heart . You have my deepest sympathy .
Cheryl Bernard - DeTour Village, MI
Dear Victor & Family~
So sorry for your loss of Cindy.
Sending you my sincere condolences.
~Cheryl (Kalishek)
Robert Mellinger - Green Bay, WI
Our thoughts and prayers are with Vic and the entire Stock family during this tough time.
Leroux Strom - Gladstone, MI
Words cannot begin to express the sadness I feel, nor the sympathy I have for you….Vic, Jess Cass, and Reg……and other family members. Cindy loved her family and always spoke highly of each of you. Cindy and I shared a bond that has lasted a lifetime! Good friends…..in every walk of life! We were sisters in the Lord! I prayed hard that God would heal her! …….and I guess He has!!!! ……..for she no longer suffers ! …….and we will see her again! God be with each of you!
Steve Towns - Middleville, Mi
So sorry to hear about Cindy. Victor our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary and Mark Malnor - Rapid River, Mi
Victor and family i am so very sorry for your loss. Many blessings sent your way.
Darlinda Bruntjens - Gladstone, Mi
Victor and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We have been praying since we heard of Cindy’s illness. I have many fond memories from being a highschoolfriend of Mary’s going to your house and of all that Cindy and Cassie did for Lacie in school. I know it is hard even if your prepared but rest east knowing when the ones we love are with God and we know God is always with us than surely our loved ones are not far away. Yours in Christ Darlinda Bruntjens.
Jeri Clark Krokstad - Marquette, Mi
Dear Stock Family,
So very sorry to read of Cindy’s passing. We knew each other from childhood. Sunday school, MWF at Church, and throughout school. We shared first stand in GHS band. Cindy was an excellent clarinetist! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeri Lynn & Martin Krokstad
Michael Mitsch-Potvin - Chapin, SC
This one hurts. My deepest sympathies to Vic, Jessie, Cas and Reggie. Having grown up just across the street, I’ve had a bird’s eye view of the majority of the obituary. Wish we could come for the memorial, but know that Cindy and all affected have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Howlett - Gladstone, MI
Cindy was our daughter’s favorite teacher in junior high. When Gwen was in band Cindy took a picture of her playing her flute and printed it off for us — one of the few pictures we had of her playing, since when I tried to get a good picture of her there was always someone or something in the way. Anyway, that picture had a place of honor on the fridge for a long time before it went into the photo album. Cindy was an awesome teacher and touched so many students’ lives. I’m sure Gwen gave her a big hug when she got to Heaven! We will keep your family in our prayers.
Neil Moreau - Green Bay , WI
Sorry for your loss Stock family. Mrs. Stock was my teacher at Flat Rock, she was a wonderful teacher. I am glad to have known her. She will be missed by all who loved her. May Mrs. Stock Rest In Peace. We will meet her some day again.
Heather (Budkis) Bruss - Escanaba, MI
Ms. Damitz as I knew her in the 6th grade, at Flat Rock school, was one of my very favorite teachers. She always had a big smile on her face. She was a wonderful teacher and a sweet person. Sending all her family love and hugs.
Larry Brukardt - Colorado Springs, CO
A beautiful and wonderful soul. She will be missed.
Jessica Perez - Wyandotte , MI
Mama stock, I’m going to miss you screaming “GINS HOME!” Every Christmas I’d come back from chi town, & you would jump off your chair, & give me a giant hug. & sometimes I’d bring you guys paintings for Christmas & you would go on & smoke cigarettes with me and tell me how talented I am. I didn’t even have to knock at the door, just open it, & then you’d yell at me for swearing.. a lot.. haha. & I’d make fun of you guys because you had Christmas all year long and your house. Cool church, Reggie will get the joke… I love you guys, you’re entire family, you’ve always been nothing but nice to me. I wish you could have been around to see the wedding reception at grandma Kay’s.. where you both would yell at me for swearing, again, haha.. & I wish I could donate and come to the memorial, but I have to work.. but I have seen 10 butterflies since this happened. & haven’t seen one since I moved here. I will always miss & love you, tell Michael & Randy that I love & miss them too in heaven. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, even though me & Ari we’re a pain in the butt. Hahaha. I hope you have a beautiful afterlife, & I will see you someday again, if I quit swearing.. 🙂
Neil Moreau - Green Bay , WI
Sorry for your loss Stock Family. Mrs.Stock was my teacher at Flat Rock school. She was a beautiful lady. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. I am praying for you Victor and family. We will see her some day again. Love Neil Moreau.
Mary Simonsen - Rapid River, MI
Since death is just a matter of changing your residence, I choose to celebrate the extension of Cindy’s life – in Heaven.. I see her in fields of leeks laughing and digging while swatting those pesky flies. (or maybe there are no pesky bugs in Heaven?) I can picture her crawling around the yard picking dandilions to make wine. She wasn’t much of a drinker but she felt a little wine was ‘good for the soul’. Her existance is not over since she lives within the hearts of all who had the privlidge to know her. It is difficult now but someday I will smile when I picture her searching a rock pile in Heaven for just the right rocks for her next project. I’ll see you later Cindy!
Lisa Perlove - Escanaba, MI
Thinking of you Cass and Reggie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know your mom but after everything I’ve read she’s clearly touched so many people’s lives. (((Hugs))) and you’ll be in my prayers.
Robert Kennedy - De Pere, WI
Victor – My heartfelt condolences to you during this difficult time. Take strength in and be consoled by your family and friends. God bless you and your family.
Troy Carlson - Rapid River, MI
Vic and family Betsy and I are so sorry for your loss.I have only met Cindy a couple times but she was the sweetest lady.Our condolences and prayers are with your family.
Cynthia LaFleur - Gladstone, MI
Vic and Family,
Your family has always been close to ours through the years. Just wanted to share one story with you. I wanted my ears pierced and Cindy said, “I’ll do it!” So first she tried it with a potato behind my ear…when that didn’t work, she got out the ice and a needle and thread and slowly pushed it through my ear. Ouch! To this day the piercing hole is a little jagged, but it still works. It’s crazy how you love your classmates for life. Love to you all. The Jay/Pat LaFleur Family
Kelly Williams - Lincoln Park, MI
I remember her as my 4th and 6 grade instructor at Flat Rock she was one of the kindest people to have as a instructor and made it fun. I hope she flys high and tell my mom and dad that I am okay because they are up there with her. Your legacy lives on with each one of us students that you taught and that had you as a instructor. I am sorry for your loss Stock family this has sadden me, but I have seen more butterflies since she passed, and I was not seeing one since my parents passed. I am so sorry that this happened so quickly and she is now healed.
Nick Sigan - Gladstone, MI
Victor:
My thoughts go out to you and your family. Cindy was always a very nice and good person. Not enough of those around and a loss like this is felt by many.
Nick Sigan
Kelsey Shank - Grand Rapids, MI
A group of friends and I were discussing the influences that impacted us most in our lives, and Mrs. Stock was definitely the single largest influence on mine. Absolutely devastated to find this page, and I hope for all the best for her family. She was one of the greatest of all times.