In Memory

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The Rev. Cynthia Senarighi died March 4, 2023. Cindy was a Concordia (Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, location in 1999) program alumna. She was an RN for 25 years and then became a pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She was a co-founder and CEO of Yogadevotion, a faith-based yoga company since 1999.

Lucille Kingsley died June 24, 2024. Lucille was a Concordia (Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, location from May 2000) program alumna She served as a parish nurse through the Community of Care in rural Cass County, a program designed to keep seniors in their homes. She was active in her home congregation, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Casselton, North Dakota.

Cheryl Bright died Oct. 10, 2024. Cheryl was a Concordia (Mt. Carmel, Minnesota, location from November 2009) program alumna. She served as a parish nurse at the Evangelical Free Church in Morris, Minnesota. Cheryl spent her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse at the local hospital and later served as a parish nurse. She was also known for caring for her farm animals and always matching her shoes and jewelry.

"She Was There"

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
She was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,
She was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend,
She was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,
She was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind,
She was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,
She was there.
In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates,
She was there.
To witness humanity—its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,
She was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,
She was there
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side,
She is there.

©2004 Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN