Cynthia Marie Joanning

Cynthia (Cindy) Marie Joanning February 28, 1972 – February 5, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cynthia Marie Joanning, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, and friend, who passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 52 after a brave battle with early-onset dementia. Born on February 28, 1972, Cindy’s life was filled with love, kindness, and a bold strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Cindy was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Jean Joanning (Schadle), whose love and guidance shaped Cindy’s life. Cindy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, especially her family, who will forever cherish her spirit.

Cindy spent her early childhood years in Lubbock, Texas, before moving to Boone, Iowa, where she finished high school. She went on to attend Iowa State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Science Writing and a minor in Physics. Later, Cindy pursued post-graduate training in Computer Science, a field she would make her professional life’s work.

When she moved to St. Paul, she found work with many software engineering teams.  She helped code for apps to display complicated math equations online, organize the data from analytical labs, help doctors update medical records, and even worked for a few exciting start-ups. She often oversaw teams of programmers and kept them on task.

Her college summers were spent working in the Boundary Waters, she volunteered with AmeriCorps, and talked her way into a work visa in London. She tended bar at a storied pub right across from her beloved Kew Gardens. Cindy’s adventurous spirit and her love for discovering new places took her all over the world, and she never shied away from stepping out of her comfort zone.

Cindy always had the latest gizmo. One of Cindy’s true superpowers was her expertise in technology. Whether helping her family purchase a new computer, build a website, or figure out a new phone, Cindy’s excitement and enthusiasm were contagious. She made technology feel easy, and her family relied on her vast knowledge to navigate the ever-changing digital world. Her ability to make complex problems feel simple and empowering left everyone feeling confident, as though they could take on any tech challenge with ease. Cindy’s passion for technology and her generosity in sharing her skills will be a part of her lasting legacy.

She is survived by her loving husband, Matt Wolf, her partner in life, a bond between two introverts who somehow found each other and created a beautiful, quiet, and perfect life together. They were married April 26, 2008.  Their love was a testament to the unexpected beauty of true connection.

Cindy is also survived by her Father, Dr. Harvey Joanning and his wife Dana Roberts; her sister and brother-in-law Sarah and Chet Egge and their children Bethany and Amanda; her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Amy Joanning and their children Keaton and Kyle. Cindy’s love extended to her in-laws, Lyle and Janice Wolf, and her extended family, including brother-in-law Tim and Rita Wolf and their children Shukan, Priya, and Aiden, and sister-in-law Angie (Wolf) and Jeff Goehring and their daughter Riley.

In addition to her family, Cindy leaves behind her closest friend, Jean Rynda, who was a constant companion through the highs and lows of life. Cindy’s ability to show love, empathy, and kindness never wavered, even as she faced the challenges of her illness. Her friendships and the bonds she created will be forever remembered and cherished.

Cindy had an immense love for her fur babies—Layla, Gertrude, Joleen, and her dog, Rockefeller—who brought her joy and comfort throughout her life. Her love for her animals was a testament to the gentleness of her spirit.

Cindy was a Master Gardener and loved spending her days in her gardens. Her gardens reflected the natural beauty of the Earth and demonstrated her vast knowledge of all things green. The work she did was breathtaking, and her gardens are part of the great legacy she leaves behind. Through her nurturing care, she created spaces that allowed both plants and people to flourish.

Her passions included hiking, reading, going to local restaurants, and seeing live music. She loved a good Latin band with a great horn player. She also followed the Twins and the Saints, and enjoyed watching the young players out on the field. She loved getting together with friends to play cards and board games. She was also politically active. She donated to several causes she felt were important and attended fund-raisers and protests.

Cindy’s warmth, light, and strength touched everyone around her. Whether through her love of nature, her devotion to her pets, or the simple joy of time spent with loved ones, she made the world a better place. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 14, 2025, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 235 Wentworth Avenue West, West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Bloomington-Normal Books for Kids.