Thief River Falls – Cindy (Lucynda) Tsukichi (née Hansen), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, dedicated community member, and life-giving organ donor, passed away peacefully at Sanford Medical Center on May 30, 2025, in Thief River Falls. Born on August 1, 1950, in Robbinsdale, she grew up surrounded by love and pursued her education at St. Francis High School and St. Barnabus School of X-Ray Technology.
On April 17, 1971, Cindy married the love of her life, Steve Tsukichi, in Fridley. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to over 60 years of love and partnership.
Cindy dedicated her life to her family, finding immense joy in raising her children and her grandchildren. She was known for her gentle kindness, unwavering love, and warm presence. Whether tending to her flowers, preparing cherished meals, or creating lasting memories with loved ones, Cindy’s heart was always full.
Beyond her family, Cindy had a deep passion for enriching the lives of others through community involvement. She was an active and engaged member of multiple organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Zehlians, Homemakers group, Book Club, Art Adventure, and various school volunteer programs. She held a variety of leadership roles, including serving as president of Zehlians group.
Her dedication to fostering education, creativity, and meaningful connections left an enduring impact on countless lives. Cindy believed in the power of community, always encouraging and uplifting those around her with kindness and wisdom.
Cindy’s love for flowers brought beauty and serenity to those around her. She found joy in filling her yard with blooms that reflected her warmth and gentle spirit. She also cherished cooking for her family as an expression of her boundless love, preparing delicious meals that became treasured traditions. For her grandchildren, her kitchen was the heart of the home, where she created dishes that were delicious, like her chicken wings or German potato salad.
In addition to her lifelong dedication to service, Cindy’s compassion extended beyond her years—she gave blood and was a double organ donor, providing hope and new beginnings to others in their greatest time of need. Her legacy of generosity continues to live on through the lives she saved through her donations.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Steve Tsukichi; her children, Chris Tsukichi and Jenna Stark; her grandchildren, Koden (Kaitlyn) Stark and Tryston Stark; and her great-granddaughter, Josephine Stark. Cindy will also be lovingly remembered by her sister, Sandra (Jack) Knowlen; her sister-in-law, Vira Hansen; and many nieces and nephews, including Julie (Shane) Turner and Kaylin Turner.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ruby McIntyre; her brother, Michael Hansen; and her in-laws, George and Mary Tsukichi.
Cindy’s legacy of love, generosity, and community spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.
Service of the Word for Cindy will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Cindy’s favorite charity.
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