It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Lou Martin (née Heinrichs) on February 28, 2026, at the age of 66.
Cindy was predeceased by her loving parents, Eva and Otto Heinrichs, and her beloved husband, Garth Martin.
She spent her early years in Greta, Emerson, and Altona, building lifelong friendships and memories. In 1978, she graduated from St. Boniface School of Nursing and began a career that perfectly reflected her compassionate heart. She started at Children’s Hospital before continuing her work at Selkirk Betel and later Gimli Betel, where she retired in 2017. Even after retirement, her dedication to caring for others led her to continue working casually until 2023, when her health began to decline.
Cindy was a caregiver in every sense of the word — always thinking of others and rarely putting herself first. Even in her final days, her concern was for those around her.
Throughout her life, Cindy found joy in both busy and quiet seasons. In earlier years, she was an avid crocheter and quilter, effortlessly creating beautiful quilts and afghans for family and friends. She enjoyed cross-stitching and a friendly game of crib. She loved spontaneous road trips to visit old friends, soaking up sunshine at the beach, and perfecting her tan.
Cindy also cherished simple pleasures: bonfires, good food, thrifting adventures, late-night trips to the casino, and occasionally treating herself to getting her hair done or enjoying a good pedicure. In her later years, she found contentment in quieter moments and simpler joys.
She will be deeply missed by many. Cindy is lovingly remembered by her daughter Wendy (Dayle), her treasured grandson Cory(Bree), her special friend Brad, as well as Special friends Karen and Allison, and all who were blessed to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when the weather becomes warmer.
With great sadness, the family announce after a valiant fight with cancer, Cindy passed away on January 15, 2024, in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 51. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robb, her two children Sheldon and Jordon, and her two bonus children Alison and Brendan. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
Cindy was born on October 1, 1972, and grew up primarily in Winnipeg. After obtaining her secondary education, she excelled in her career while working at IG Wealth Management, Arctic Glacier, the Province of Manitoba and most recently working at the Seven Oaks School Division within the HR Team. Regardless of where she worked, people instantly gravitated to Cindy for her contagious laughter and smile. Cindy built strong friendships and always provided a shoulder to lean or cry on.
Being a mom was something Cindy cherished. Her most precious memories were the times she spent with her two boys, Sheldon and Jordon and she took pride in them every day. There was never a day that went by that Cindy did not check in on them to make sure they were okay; told them she loved them and make sure they knew she was always there for them. She would greet them with a big hug and a “hey bud” then hugged and kissed them goodbye. The love of a mother is never ending, and she will be with them always forever in spirit.
Those who knew Cindy, knows she was definitely not an impulse shopper, taking hours or days to make a decision. This was not the case when this came to picking her man.
After their first date November 19, 2009, Cindy knew Robb was the one. He became her best friend and the one she would spend the rest of her life. They blended their families continuing to make cherished memories, in their new home in 2012 filling it with laughter.
She was then blessed when she was united with her dad, Robert and was ecstatic to meet her half-sister, Tiffany. Cindy and Robb dated for several years until he proposed, and they were married on August 6, 2016.
Cindy had such a love for being outdoors and being surrounded by nature. Her and Robb spent countless weekends camping and adored going to Otter Falls. Cindy was passionate about the mountains,” it was as though, they were calling her,” she said.
The opportunity for travel anywhere was always a “Yes, let’s go” and if it involved live music even better! She enjoyed those as long as she could and would have a big smile on her face as she was pumping her hands in the air and singing at the top of lungs regardless of who was performing on stage “Yeeeaaahhh”.
She was a true fan, both of the Winnipeg Jets and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Cindy would tune in or dress up for a game no matter where she was, from the hot tub, campground or a bar in Mexico. The Bombers too, knew her smile when they wished her a Happy 50th Birthday. Cindy was known for her lightning speed wit to any situation, sneaking in the last word and often leaving you speechless or needing to manage the chaos in the wake of her hijinks.
Cindy truly loved doing so many things with those she loved. Dressing up in style or showing up to a theme party, enjoying the comforts of her home and always keeping in touch with friends! Spending “girl” time was important to Cindy. She looked forward to making those memories as often as she could.
Her love for animals also shined through when she became a dog Mom first to their Beagle, Cruz and now Cooper, Boxer-German Shepherd mix who comforted her through her battle.
“Mom, the light and joy your presence brought to a room was incomparable. A smile that lit up the room and was so contagious. A day didn’t go by where my mom wasn’t smiling ear to ear. Today, I am and will continue to be strong for you almost as strong as you are. You made sure my needs, and everyone else’s were met before yours. Such a big heart filled with love for everyone. Forever in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I love you forever!”~Sheldon
“Mom, you were and still are the strongest person I know. Throughout your entire battle you never let your spirits slip and you always continued to put others before yourself. You made sure to always check in, ask about my day or how things were going, and made sure you were there for every new venture I started no matter how big or small. I love you so much and you will always be in our hearts!” ~Jordon
“Cindy, you were loved by so many people. You always carried yourself with grace as you went through this battle, with such a brave face. I really looked up to you for that, as I know I would never be as strong in a situation like that. Your family was the most important thing to you, and I am just heartbroken that you are gone far too soon before your time. You always called me your bonus daughter which I really loved!” ~Alison
“Cindy, we made a promise and I will always be strong for you as strong as you were. I’m happy to be your bonus kid and you always treated me like your own. Your love for game night is a tradition that we will keep. You and your smile will be missed but never forgotten!” ~Brendan
Special thanks to the staff at Cancer Care Manitoba for their care and support. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue or Cancer Care Manitoba are welcomed.
Cremation has taken place and at Cindy’s request there will not be a service, but please reflect through your warmest memories and the laughter she brought you. She will be looking down upon us all with love.
Cindy’s family would like to welcome relatives and friends for an informal “Celebration of her Life” on January 28, 2024 from 1:00- 4:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion on the 2nd floor located at 1748 Main St, Winnipeg MB (1-204-338-3266).
Someone we love has gone away and life is not the same. The greatest gift that you can give is just to speak their name. I need to hear the stories and the tales of the days gone past. I need for you to understand these memories must last. We cannot make more memories since they’re no longer here. So, when you speak of them to me, it’s music to my ear.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences by using the comment field below.
