Cynthia L. Wondra

In the full life she led right up to her last moments on this earth, Cindy Williams Wondra was beloved by all whose paths she crossed. To meet her was to love her. It didn’t matter if you walked on two legs or four, Cindy was adored by everyone whose lives she touched. In her 70 years on this planet, she was a sister, wife, friend, paralegal secretary, world traveler, movie aficionado, music fan, fashion plate, and pet parent.

Cindy died from cancer on Wednesday March 11, 2020 and her memory is honored by her sisters Susan Ayres (David); Judy Mennonno (Gerry, deceased); Sally Leonard (Karie); Mindy Butler (Bob); and her brother Kris Williams (Karen). (Her sister Maggie Chastain proceeded Cindy in death.) Cindy’s beloved dog Willow was a big part of her family too, and she leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even greater friends who all have holes in their heart due to her passing.

“Cindy from Indy”, as she often called herself, was born in the spring of 1949 in Indianapolis, IN to parents Rush and Peggy Williams. She loved the city so much she called it home all of her life. Graduating from Shortridge High School in 1967, Cindy became a legal secretary and remained in the profession for 47 years. She retired in 2017 from the firm Faegre Baker Daniels, and the company threw her a lavish party. Cindy was expert at her job, ceaselessly friendly and sociable, and always dressed to the nines. They loved her there.

A real go-getter, Cindy never slowed down after retirement. She loved music and attended dozens of concerts. Her friends always wanted to see movies with her because she was such an enthusiastic fan, particularly of Johnny Depp films. Cindy also traveled extensively, fulfilling her life’s dream of visiting Bermuda, and taking numerous cruises too. Her favorites were rock & roll-themed vacations showcasing artists from the 60’s and 70’s in concert at sea.

One of her greatest passions in her life was the musical group The Lettermen. She saw them in concert numerous times and became an avid member of their fan club. She even became good friends with Letterman members Tony Butala, Donovan Tea, Bobby Poynton and Rob Gulack, often dining with them before or after shows. The trio often sang songs dedicated to her in their performances as well.

In 2011, Cindy saw the film “The Artist” and it quickly topped her all-time favorite movies list. When Uggie, the popular canine star of the film, wrote his ‘autobiography,’ Cindy went to his book signing (pawing?) in Indianapolis. There, Cindy struck up a friendship with Uggie’s owner and trainer Omar von Muller. Not long after, Cindy was invited to the von Muller home in Los Angeles to spend a weekend with Uggie, Omar, and his wife Mercy and daughters Terry and Sabrina. That’s how special it was to know Cindy – she instantly became your close friend, someone you cherished spending time with again and again.

Cindy loved dogs, and even though she was married to a terrific man named John Wondra (He preceded her in death in 2015), it’s possible her canine friends got the lion’s share of her hugs and nuzzles. She loved dogs so much she contributed to countless animal charities throughout her life and even adopted two rescue dogs. Her first pooch was a blind Jack Russell that never left her side. Her last dog Willow was a fluffy little girl who stayed with Cindy through thick and thin as Cindy battled cancer.

Other highlights from Cindy’s life included her faith as she was an active member in the Carmel Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana. She served two terms on her condo’s association board. And she contributed regularly to Johnny’s Angels, a fan group of Johnny Depp’s that raises funds for his favorite charity – The Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition. Cindy always thought of others, and it made them think all the more of her.

Cindy loved life and was never a casual observer. If she liked something, she loved it. If she got involved, she was an active participant. She made everyone feel special, and in turn, few have been as special to so many as the wondrous Cindy Williams Wondra.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday July 11, 2020 at Carmel Christian Church. A memorial reception will begin after the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Hamilton County.