On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, we lost our beloved Cynthia (Cindy) Kathleen Petrie after a valiantly fought battle against cancer. Her courage in the face of this diagnosis was an inspiration to everyone who loved and cared for her.

She had a kind and generous spirit, and the world is a better place having had her in it. She will be missed by the many families, friends, and pets she leaves behind.

Cindy was born in Austin, Texas, on December 2, 1961, to her parents James and Sue Mellard. She spent her first five years in Austin, Texas, Los Angeles, and Diamond Bar, California, before moving with the family to DeKalb, Illinois.

While in DeKalb, she attended Jefferson Elementary, Clinton Rosette Middle School, and DeKalb High School. She majored in art at Kishwaukee Community College and Pima Community College, while working in an art and framing store. Cindy was a talented artist who showed her deep love of animals and nature through her gorgeous drawings, oils, acrylics, watercolors and other works of art. One of her joys in life was spending hours in the garden watching and listening to the sounds of wildlife.

She gave her pets the best lives possible and worried about all other animals large and small. She always kept food and water for outdoor animals in a protected place.

Cindy was beautiful inside and out. She was an eternal optimist and a survivor who always emerged stronger with each challenge.

Cindy lived her life with these very defined core beliefs that began at an early age. She believed that people are intrinsically good even if they don’t always demonstrate that; and she did not dwell in the past.

Cindy joins her beloved Dad, James Milton Mellard; her grandparents, Alice and Wayne Gilbert (Nanny and Pawpaw), Pauline Watts (Grandma Pauline) and Connie Mellard (Pappy); and all her pets that went before her.

She is survived by her mother, Sue Gilbert Mellard; her sisters, Tandy Mellard and Catherine (Jay) Widder; nephew, Tristan James; niece, Savannah Grace; her husband, Randy Petrie; and stepchildren Travis, Tabitha, Tyler, and their children.

The family will hold a private “Celebration of Life” at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to one of these organizations, in Cindy’s name: SNIPSA (Spay Neuter Inject and Protect San Antonio) is an organization formed by a group of veterinarians and caring individuals dedicated to helping homeless and unwanted animals in San Antonio and the surrounding area. SNIPSA’s mission is true to Cindy’s heart. Her most recent fur babies were adopted from here. https:// tinyurl.com/Cindy-SNIPSA- Donation. In the Box “in memory of” please put Cindy Mellard Petrie.

VITAS Hospice Inpatient Unit. Everyone here took such great care of Cindy in her final days. With their help, she was pain free and peaceful in her final moments.

The nurses, providers and staff are truly doing the work of angels. https://tinyurl. com/Cindy-VITAS-Donation Mark the box “in memory of” with the tribute name of Cindy Mellard Petrie.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www. ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.