Cindy Smolinski

Cindy Lynn Smolinski, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 8th, 2024 in Swartz Creek, Michigan at the age of 67.

Born on May 9th, 1957, in Longview, Washington to parents Donald and Evelyn Whitney, Cindy attended the Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) where she explored many of her creative talents, including acting and photography. In 1974 she was casted as “Robin” in the joint venture production “Godspell” put on by the Northwest Theatre of the Deaf and the Clark College Music Department. Proceeds raised provided summer camps for Deaf children. Additionally in 1975 she played “Young Amy” in the Signscope film production, “Deafula”. After graduating from WSD in 1976, she pursued her passion for photography earning a Bachelor’s degree from National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology (NTID/RIT) in Rochester, NY graduating in 1979.

After graduation, Cindy moved to Michigan in pursuit of beginning a new life. She worked various photography jobs, capturing the beauty of nature and helping others document their most cherished moments. Over the years, she expanded her artistic pursuits to include woodcarving, painting, basket weaving, and quilting. As her career evolved, she found employment working within the Deaf community for the Michigan School for the Deaf and Blind (MSD). Her dedication led her to a long-standing role as a Resident Care Aide, where she provided structure, support, and a nurturing presence for students living on campus. For over three decades, Cindy brought warmth, creativity, and discipline into the lives of many children before retiring in 2018 to focus on her health.

Among her many accomplishments, Cindy was most proud of being a mother to her four children. Raising a family was her lifelong dream, and she devoted herself to filling their lives with love, adventure, and encouragement. Albeit a life felt cut short, she was able to live long enough to enjoy seeing her children flourish in their own lives, each pursuing impressive careers: Stefanie as a Respiratory Therapist at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI; Matthew as a Cardiovascular Technician at Hurley Hospital in Flint, MI; Albert working in government as a federal employee in Washington, D.C.; and Lindsay as a Sign Language Interpreter serving the Deaf community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cindy was known for her playful personality, prolific quilting skills, boundless creative energy, and unwavering devotion to the Seattle Seahawks football team. Her loving nature radiated warmth, positivity, and exuberance touching the lives of all who knew her. She was an active member of the Deaf community, quilting community, cancer support groups, and senior citizen organizations.

She is survived by her siblings: Arleen (David) Geodert of Longview, WA, and Edward (Maggie) Whitney of Shelton, WA; her children: Stefanie Smolinski of Swartz Creek, MI, Matthew Smolinski of Grand Blanc, MI, Albert (Ashley) Smolinski of Alexandria, VA, and Lindsay (Christopher) McKenna of San Francisco, CA. She also leaves behind numerous cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many dear friends whose lives were brightened by her beaming spirit.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Evelyn Whitney, and her nephew Mickey Miranda of Longview, WA.

Her loving spirit, tenacious energy, creativity, and unshakeable positivity will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.