Sunday, March 16, 2014

Cindy Chapman Willis 1961 - 2014


            It is with deepest regret and a heavy heart that I must inform you that Cynthia Chapman Willis passed away on March 3, 2014 at the age of 52.

            Cindy always aspired to be a writer and, to that end, she spent many years in the publishing industry before having her first book, Dog Gone, published in 2008. Cindy left the world of publishing and committed herself completely to her career as an author.  She loved the book signings and school visits where she had an opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and answer their questions.  Those of you lucky enough to have met her will no doubt remember her bubbly personality and bright, infectious smile.


            Cindy told very few people about her battle with cancer.  She did not want to burden others with her situation and felt she could maintain her career despite all the demands that cancer made on her.  Maintaining a positive attitude and steely determination, Cindy fought this battle for twenty, long months.  The most difficult part of her “cancer journey”, as she called it, was not having enough time to write all her stories.

            Cindy had an amazing and beautiful gift of connecting with people. She cared deeply and it showed in everything she did.  She saw the value in everyone she met and made each person feel special.

            I am Cindy’s younger sister.  I think of her as the comet in my life: shining brightly and bringing joy to all who were lucky enough to catch a glimpse.  I basked in the bright glow of her wake, always happy to tag along.  I know that, although it feels very sad and dark right now, the stars will shine again and life will march on as it always does.  Perhaps that’s why we need to take the time to watch for comets.  They fly by so fast, burn so bright, and disappear so quickly.


            For all of you that loved and supported her as an author and friend, thank you and God bless.

                                                                                                                   Carey

34 comments:

  1. Oh my God. Oh no, no, no. What? Oh Cindy. Oh Lord.

    Carey, I am so so so sorry. I'm truly sorry. Oh my goodness. I am so so so so sorry.

    x

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  2. I am so very, very sorry for your loss, Carey.

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Cindy, except through the blog world. She always struck me as an intelligent, genuinely caring person. My condolences to you and your family.

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  3. We miss her at the Kidlit Authors' Club, and we're glad we were lucky enough to know her. Sincere condolences to you and your whole family!

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  4. I think of Cindy every day. I love how you compared her to a comet. She definitely brightened my life and passed through it much too quickly.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will pray for your family.

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  6. I'm so so sorry! Just knowing her from her blog I can believe she was so wonderful in person. I remember the day she followed my blog - I was so thrilled a 'real' author (I had her books in my classroom) followed me. And she was always so lovely and gracious. My deepest sympathies to you and the rest of her family.

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  7. I am so terribly sad to hear this awful news. I'm so sorry about your sister. She was a wonderful writer and wonderful blog friend. She will be missed. I am in tears that she passed. My condolences to her family.

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  8. Oh, no! I'm so sad and so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and the rest of your family.

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  9. Carey, I'm very sorry for your loss. Though I never met Cindy in person, we "knew" each other as blog friends. Sincere condolences.

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss. I only knew your sister through this blog, but I liked her spirit a lot. With time, it will get easier.

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  11. My condolences for your loss. I understand that some people want to keep such things private. I wish you all the best as you go through the necessary matters of contacting relatives, arranging the funeral, giving legal notices, going through her possessions, and the myriad other concerns involved. Please make sure to stay in contact with people near to you, and with whom you can talk.

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  12. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cynthia was among the first group of people to follow me when I first started blogging. Dog Gone was one of the first books I ever won that was inscribed by the author. Though I only "knew" her through blogging, I though of her as a friend. I will miss her thoughtful posts and feel an undeniable loss. Know that I am sending you and your family lots of loving thoughts and prayers.

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  13. I can't believe this. Oh I am so so sorry for your loss. I never knew Cindy personally but her personality shone through her blog. She always had something nice to say. I'll miss her presence on the blogosphere.She'll always have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend.

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  14. I am so very sad to hear this news. Cynthia was a wonderful person, and I enjoyed getting to know her through our online world. Thank you for letting us know of her passing.

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss, Carey. I knew Cynthia only through the blogging world, but I always enjoyed interacting with her. She was a lovely lady.

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  16. It's been a while since I stopped by and having thought of Cynthia today, I came over. I'm so sorry to hear that she has passed. Although I only know her through our blog visits, I always welcomed her comments. I won't soon forget her. My condolences to her family.

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  17. We did exchange messages about her cancer since my niece was in her own battle against the disease at the same time. I'm dreadfully sorry to hear this news, but thank you for sharing it with her readers. She will be missed.

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  18. I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Your sister sounded like a wonderful person!

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  19. I am so sorry to hear about Cynthia's passing. I did not know her in person, but through blogging and had no idea she was sick. Sending hugs and prayers to your family. What a beautiful post to remember a wonderful person.
    ~Jess

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  20. I am so sorry to hear about Cynthia's passing. Thank you for this beautiful post in remembrance of her. Praying for you.

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  21. I am so sorry to read this. My condolences to you and your famiy.

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  22. Nice article as well as whole site.Thanks.

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