Cynthia McGinnis

Cynthia (Cindy) McGinnis (née Peterson), 71, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin passed away on June 12, 2025.

She was born to Eleanor and Dwayne Peterson on August 23, 1953 in Tacoma, Washington.

Cindy was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy but she refused to let that define her. She accomplished a tremendous amount during her life and was an inspiration and a role model to many disabled individuals through her involvement in United Cerebral Palsy and Eau Claire County advisory committees. Cindy paved the way for others by example, from being the first disabled person to graduate from a 'normal' high school in Smithfield, Utah in 1971 to living independently and working despite counsellors telling her she didn't need to. Cindy held a full-time administrative position for the state of Minnesota Human Resources Department for 19 years.

Cindy's influence on those that knew her cannot be overstated. Strangers who encountered her and spoke to the person behind her wheelchair instead of Cindy would quickly find out that the intelligent woman in the chair had a wicked sense of humor and could certainly speak for herself. Those who knew Cindy admired her independence, intelligence, resilience, and faith. She could light up a room with her smile.

Cindy had a profound impact on her family. When she was born, there were no support systems for parents of disabled children. Helping her have her best life involved the entire family. Her mother was in charge of therapy, her siblings would help, and her father's career shifted from elementary education to special education. He and Cindy would often work together educating families in Wisconsin with special needs children. Both of them became advocates for the disabled community.

Cindy lived on her own with increasing levels of in-home support as long as she could, transitioned to group home care, then to a nursing home. Cindy's mental acuity did not dim; she continued to surprise people who made assumptions based on her physical status, especially those who made comments unaware of her excellent hearing.

Last summer, she nearly died from sepsis and never completely recovered. It has been a long and difficult year for Cindy. She never lost her faith, and is finally with the Lord and out of pain. She will be missed by many.

Cindy is survived by her parents, Dwayne and Eleanor Peterson, sisters Gail Brian (Roger Brian) and Diane Peterson (John Boyd), brother Douglas Peterson (Debra Peterson), nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 3036 Epiphany Ln, Eau Claire, WI on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 2 pm. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. A private burial service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire on a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin or the Eau Claire Community Humane Association in her name.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.