In loving memory of

Cynthia Gaston
June 21, 1957 - February 2, 2019

Cynthia Gaston, age 61, passed away on February 2nd 2019 at home in Madison. She was born on June 21st 1957 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Carson and Eileen Lau. She married Dave Gaston on July 20th 1985 at Calvary Lutheran Church in downtown Madison, WI.

Cindy received her B.S. in Pharmacy in 1980, and worked for the UW Health University Hospital as a clinical pharmacist for over 35 years, including earning her Pharm. D. in 2008 and American College of Clinical Pharmacy Board Certification in 2013. For many of those years, she worked as an integral member of the pharmacy team in the Trauma and Life Support Center, where her encyclopedic drug knowledge and focus on patient safety made her a highly valued asset. Her career also spanned drug use policy, where she championed evidence-based guidelines and evaluated new drugs for the hospital formulary.

In addition to her successful career, Cindy was a loving, dedicated mother and wife. Her favorite activities involved family, especially vacations to the Rocky Mountains, and going on hikes with her husband Dave.
She was incredibly well traveled, having visited Europe and Hawaii several times, as well as countless National Parks spread across nearly all 50 states. When not traveling, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and attending Badger football games with family and friends, including two Rose Bowl games. Whether traveling, attending swim meets, or simply spending time with family, Cindy loved to document her experiences through a great deal of amateur photography.

Cindy combined her love of photography and arts and crafts to create unique albums, scrapbooks, and gifts. She enjoyed applying her scrapbooking techniques to make cards for any occasion; whether it was a birthday or Halloween, she would often personalize them for her loved ones.

Most importantly, Cindy was a devout Christian, strong in her faith, and heavily involved in the Lutheran Church. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, served on many boards and committees, and would help in any way she could to serve others.

Cindy will be greatly missed by her husband Dave, her son Joel, her daughter Annie, her mother Eileen, her brother Curt, her father-in-law Dave, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Carson and her mother-in-law Jane.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 8th at 9 AM, located at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 110 N Whitney Way, Madison. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM, followed by a lunch reception. Burial will occur at 2:30 PM of the same day at Hillside Cemetery in Poynette, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434

Tributes

Heidi & Eugen Briemle wrote on Feb 16, 2019:

"Dear Dave, Annie and Joel We were so blessed to have known Cindy, your Mom. Wishing you all the loving, caring hand of Our Lord especially during these times. "Trust in the Lord. You shall not tire. Know that you are all in our prayers. Love & blessings, Heidi & Eugen & family"

Wendy Horton wrote on Feb 13, 2019:

"Cindy, thanks for all the fun times. I always admired how you approached life. Deeply spiritual, wildly smart, people first and such a great sense of humor. You were an inspiration and mentor to me in so many ways. Thanks for teaching me the tricks of the trade and how to have a balanced life. Most of all thank you for showing us what being courageous looks like. I'll miss you terribly. "

Doug Meyer wrote on Feb 13, 2019:

"I will always remember what a joy it was to work with Cindy in the UW Trauma unit. she was a great pharmacist, had a great sense of humor and an even better person. My sympathies to her family and friends in Wisconsin. She will be missed. "

Lorraine Yarbrough wrote on Feb 11, 2019:

"Dave and family, I am so sorry for the passing of Cindy. She was a wonderful person, one who leaves a special place in one's heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lorraine Yarbrough"

Darlene Weisberger wrote on Feb 8, 2019:

"So sorry to hear this news...we enjoyed Cindy's stories & sharing @ our womens dinners/weekends...she really adored her children & family w all her being...Rest in Peace, Cindy"

Danielle Gale wrote on Feb 8, 2019:

"Dear Dave, Joel and Annie, the Gale family is so saddened to hear of Cindy's passing. I used to run into her every couple of months at UWHC, and remember the soccer days of the distant past as well. Sending you our thoughts and our love. Danielle and Brian Gale and family"

Deb Hall-Reppen wrote on Feb 8, 2019:

"I am very sorry that we will be unable to be with you to celebrate Cindy's wonderful life. Rich has the flu, and I am uncomfortable driving alone in these freezing temps. She was such a caring friend. Her spirit will be with us at every Badger game."

Tracy Chandler wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"Cindy was delightful to be with! She had a twinkle in her eye, a great sense of humor. and was fun to be around. We shared a lot of laughs at family gatherings and visits. She was also warm, thoughtful and caring. Cindy and Dave were wonderful to Courtney when she was training at Epic. She had a great time with Cindy, Dave and Auntie Eileen. I?m grateful Courtney got to know my cousin, Cindy. She saw what a wonderful person Cindy was! Dave, Joel, Annie and Auntie Eileen, my heart breaks for you. I?m praying for you. Love, Tracy"

Rich and Deb Christopherson wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"We are so sad to learn of Cindy?s passing. She was a strong, intelligent and courageous woman who fought cancer valiantly. We met Cindy at UWH, and had the pleasure of working with her for many years. She imparted her extensive knowledge to all who worked with her and we knew that if Cindy was working, the patients and staff working with her were in good hands. It was an honor to work with her. Most of all, we treasure the friendship that we developed with Cindy, Dave, Joel and Annie. Our special memories include Joel?s Little League games, Joel and Annie?s swimming events, and recently our double-date dinner outings with Cindy and Dave. Cindy enriched our lives. We are blessed to have known her and will miss her dearly. Our deepest sympathy to Dave, Joel, Annie, Eileen and other family. Deb and Rich Christopherson"

Sara Shull wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"I am fortunate to have Cindy as my colleague in Drug Policy at UW Health. She was an incredibly knowledgeable pharmacist and an excellent mentor. Over the years, we developed a strong friendship and we shared many good times. Even when evident she didn't feel well, she always expressed interest in the activities and well being of others. She was bright, optimistic and brave, full of integrity and compassion. I will miss her terribly. "

Terry Gibbons wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"Cindy was a very close friend to not only my sister, Mary Jane, and I since Junior High but also to our entire Gibbons family. Always laughter and a smile which will be very much missed. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone."

Bridget Flanner Forsyth wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"I think of Cindy as someone so friendly and kind to all. She was a high school classmate of mine. Praying for peace and comfort to Cindy?s family and all who loved her."

Annette Haack Bertelsen wrote on Feb 7, 2019:

"Cindy was one of the first friends I made in junior high school. She was so friendly and sweet, plus I admired how smart she was! My sympathies to her family. "

Rebecca Giles wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"I remember Cindy from my days in TLC at UW Hospital. Her ever-ready smile and bubbly personality along with her enthusiasm for work made her a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with her family at this time. Becky (Dave) Giles"

Sheila Volkmann wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"I will always remember and a very kind and funny woman. Loved working with her in Pharmacy at UW. Sorry I cannot attend the service, thoughts are with all of the family. Sheila (Deneen) Volkmann"

Angel Kubly wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"Cindy was a great friend and co-worker. I will miss her quick wit! Angel Kubly"

Kimberly OBrien wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"Cindy was one of the kindest people I ever had the honor to know. I am so sorry to hear her loss to cancer. Heaven has another angel. Good-bye until later fellow Gemini! Much love to you all-Dave, Joel and Annie. "

Loch Family wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"We enjoyed getting to know Cindy and her family through swimming. She was a special person and we are very saddened to get this news. Our condolences to her family, we are sure she will be greatly missed. The Loch family "

Deb Gordon wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"The world has lost a special soul. She had a lasting impact on my life and will miss her smile. Deb Gordon "

Kari Bender wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"I was very sad to hear that Cindy had lost her battle with cancer. She fought very hard to stay with the ones she loved the most, and I heard that she made the most of the time she had with all of you. We may have "shared" cousins, but I always thought of Cindy as another cousin of mine. My deepest sympathy to all of you. May your strong belief guide you through this difficult time and help you to know that Cindy is at peace. Thinking of you all with love and sadness. Kari Bender"

Christi Ann Albert wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"Cindy was a mentor to me and trained me at UW Health. She was very nurturing and was always there when I needed her as a second set of eyes. Her long service to UW Health will be missed. God bless. Christi Albert "

Beth and Chuck Johnson wrote on Feb 5, 2019:

"Cindy was beautiful inside and out. She was a strong, caring and selfless. She was a dear friend and will be missed. Sending heartfelt sympathy to her family of whom she was so proud. May your memories comfort you and give you peace. -Beth and Chuck Johnson "