It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, and partner Cynthia (Cyndi) Louise Wharton (nee Funk) on January 17th, 2022. Cyndi is survived by her devoted life partner, Jade Holman, son Aaron Funk, daughter Chelsea Wharton, son-in-law Facundo García, brother Mitch Funk, and mother Joy Schenkeveld (Funk, nee Forsyth). Cyndi was predeceased by her father, Isaac (Ike) Funk.

 

Cyndi grew up in the Winnipeg punk scene and shared many fond memories of that time. Early in her career she enjoyed being a key figure in organizing local music festivals and worked for the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival for several years. She later developed a successful career as a Business Owner in Engineering and Logistics Recruiting responsible for helping many to develop careers of their own. She was highly artistic and enjoyed many outlets to explore her creativity including music, playing guitar, drawing, painting, making jewellery, and writing poetry. Cyndi was an excellent chef and loved to experiment with different cuisines and was famous for cooking epic feasts for her loved ones. She was known for standing up for the disadvantaged and used her voice to advocate for a more just world.

 

Cyndi was a dear friend to many from Winnipeg and around the world – and with her gigantic heart she always carried space for those in need. Above all else, she cherished her children whom she loved so dearly and proclaimed as her greatest creations, filling her with such pride. Time spent with her treasured family and friends were some of her happiest moments and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

 

The family would like to give a special thanks to the 8th floor palliative care staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care. A celebration of life - Celebrating Cyndi - will be held at The Royal Albert Arms on March 5th, 2022. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here: https://celebratingcyndi.rsvpify.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the PSP Society of Canada.

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To My Mother

‘Because I feel that, in the Heavens above,
The angels, whispering to one another,
Can find, among their burning terms of love,
None so devotional as that of “Mother,”
Therefore by that dear name I long have called you
You who are more than mother unto me’

-Edgar Allen Poe