"I have the honor of speaking for everyone at Child and Family Services of Rhode Island in offering our deepest condolences to Cindy's family. Cindy exemplified all that is good in humanity and she is dearly missed."
In loving memory of
Lucinda E Dressler
April 9, 1944 - May 10, 2020
Lucinda Emily OLoughlin Dressler died on May 10, 2020 after living with stage four colon cancer for six years. She was a resident of the Clarke School Apartments in Newport, RI. Cindy was the wife of the late Dr. Donald P. Dressler of Portsmouth, RI. Cindy was born April 9, 1944 to the late James and Barbara (Snow) OLoughlin. She grew up in Newburyport, MA and attended the University of Wisconsin majoring in French Studies. Cindy pursued a career in social work and healthcare administration. Local RI residents will remember her as a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor and a Senior Benefit Specialist for The Point, now part of United Way.
A curious, thoughtful, and loving person, Cindy was an avid reader, faithful correspondent, and life-long learner. She was a member of Alliance Francaise de Newport and was passionate about all things French, managing two trips to Paris in the last six years despite her illness. Cindy celebrated life: entertaining, celebrating holidays and birthdays, enjoying spontaneous picnics on the beach. All of her family and friends will remember her for her uniquely wrapped gifts, thoughtful cards, delicious food, and unending interest in their lives. Cindy kept a daily journal her entire life. Cindy pursued peace, desiring reconciliation between people and advocating for the less fortunate. She was passionate about nature, gardening and fine art. Cindy personified joie de vivre.
Cindy is predeceased by her sister, Suzanne Renaud. She is survived by Suzannes husband, Robert Renaud and his daughters Jennifer (Thomas) Page of NH and Barbara (Sage) Bray of CA; her great-niece Hannah Page and great-nephew Elisha Bunkley; her step-daughter Elizabeth (Darryl) Santaus of CT; her step-son Frederick (Susan) Dressler of MD; her step-grandchildren Meredith Santaus, Benjamin and Olivia Santaus, Roger Dressler and William Dressler; her step-niece, Ann (Glen) Stanford of FL; her step-nephew Michael (Martha) Dressler of NY and their children Adam Dressler and Rebecca Dressler; and numerous beloved cousins.
Cindy will be buried with her late husband at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA at a future date.
Online condolences may be offered at www.memorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lucinda-Dressler
Tributes
"Cindy, We met on the 5th floor of the cancer center at Newport Hospital 3 years ago. Although our diagnoses were different, we knew we were kindred spirits from the start. I, only 32 at the time, with multiple autoimmune diseases, had to start treatments that kept me on that 5th floor for most of these past 3 years. Cindy and I spent a lot of time together, always trying to get the nurses to somehow room us together so that we could get lost in conversation and laughter. It often echoed through the halls. Cindy was always so attentive and thoughtful despite going through so much over the past 6 years. Even on her worst days, she was a true inspiration offering up the wisest advice. She was a true angel, a giver, steadfast volunteer, with the most heartfelt soul. The last time I saw Cindy, I decided to go to her last treatment and bring her the meetup we always spoke of going on. To the French Connection. We ate chocolate croissants and pretended we were at the cafe. We spoke a little French, laughed, and remembered all our amazing conversations over the past few years. She was my friend, and I feel so blessed to have met you, dear Cindy. You will be missed. You truly were one of a kind. My sincere condolences to Cindys family and friends. "
"I will miss Cindy. I met her at the Alliance Francaise of Newport. We chatted during coffee at Empire Coffee many times. She went with me to our Sisters in Survival dinners. She was such a wonderful, caring person. Cindy, I hope you find peace and love. Tu me manques."
"I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Cindys family. My heart is breaking for you.I met Cindy when I was undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer on the 5 th floor of Newport Hospital. When I met her she had had 44 treatments. I was just scheduled for 12. To say she inspired me would be an understatement. We continued to keep in touch after I finished my treatments and I would meet up with her on her treatment days. I will miss her so very much. I still owe her a Venetian Cloud!"
"Cindy and I met 10 years ago in a small town in France. We had both arrived alone to attend a two week language class. It took only moments to realize what a sweet soul she was. For those 14 days we studied, walked, ate and laughed. Then we came home and lost touch with each other. Just a month ago I found her online. Immediately she told me about her critical situation but just as quickly shared how well she was being cared for. She wrote, "Hospice care exceeds my expectations. I am surrounded by love and very comfortable."We each shared memories of those wonderful days in Sancerre. Her mind was sharp and in every exchange she managed to lift my spirits. Her final note said simply, Signing off. Merci. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends for the loss of a precious woman. "
"Cindy,One of my favorite all-time folk singing groups was Ian and Sylvia. I am quoting a lyric from one of their old songs when I tell you from my heart, "I'm a better man for just the knowing of you.""
"Lucinda ,Cousin Cindy, to me, was a kind and soaring spirit. I being younger, grew up with Cindy being like a older sister. She took interest in your life even when you were 10. When she asked you a question, she listened intently to your answer. She made you feel you were important. That what you were saying counted, at any age. My husband I were lucky enough to spend time in Newport these last few years and share time with her. I cherish it. Cindy was extremely proud of her family and a good historical reference to our history. She has now gone to join three other Lucindas that we have lost, one as recently as last November. Each special, dynamic and loving in their own right. May God bless her and all who went before."
"My deepest condolences to Cindy Family,what a angel we lost ,l was a neighbor of Cindy at Clarke School Apts she was a lovely lady always happy and always said if there is anything thing I can do just let me know.Love to visit her when she was at the garden that she made for the residents at Clarke School to enjoy some of the residents would donate flowers,she was so thoughtful and she always said this is good therapy for me. Rest in peace my dear friend it was a pleasure meeting you. God Bless "
"Sending my sympathies to Cindy's family and friends. I met her through her SHIP work at the MLK Community Center. We also sat on a Newport Hospital Magnet nursing community survey panel. She was so intuitive and kind and lovely. I was struck by how, despite her own health sttuggles, she always reached out with care and concern and comfort for others. I am fortunate I knew her, however slightly and briefly. I hope that happy memories ease the grief of all who loved her."