Cynthia K. Seefeld

Cynthia Seefeld, passed on to new life on August 4, 2018. Her patience, courage and acceptance in dealing with her long-standing illness was an inspiration to many. Beloved daughter of Mildred (the late William) Seefeld. Dear sister of Ellen (Tom Croasdaile) Driscoll and John (Lesa Lein) Seefeld. Loved by nieces, nephews, and many friends. Cynthia grew up in MIlwaukee, went to Milwaukee Lutheran High School and then graduated from University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in Art. Fiber art was her medium, and throughout her life she stiched small and spectacular creations. She loved flowers, and created remarkable arrangements for the Center. She worked for insurance agencies for about 25 years, made life-long friends in Madison. Then in 1997 she made the courageous decision to follow her heart, and start working on Staff of the Rochester Zen Center. It would be a life-defining decision, as it fulfilled her personally and those around her by her presence. She had to make another difficult decision when her illness progressed to the point she could no longer work there, and she came home to Milwaukee to be nurtured by family. In the 4 years she was here, we loved getting to spend quality time with her. She touched both residents and staff at Eastcastle Place; everyone there knew Cynthia, and memory of her presence always brings a smile. Emails and memorials from friends and family have presented the impact Cynthia had on those who knew her. She was a continual source of inspiration, as a life well-lived. To those who knew her at the Zen Centers of Madison, Chicago and Rochester. it was not only her dedication and devotion to the practice, but the contagious joy she seemed to find in everything around her, her warm heart, her caring and generosity, and her wonderful sense of humor. She had the ability to be a sympathetic listener, then would follow with simple but profound advice. She made us see the importance of doing what is right for yourself but also others, and had the talent to be content with what you have. We will cherish the lessons learned from her, the memory of her beautiful clear voice, and the quiet presence she was. We will miss you, Cynthia. Private family services will be held, with interment in Rochester, NY.