Cynthia Marie Teel

Cynthia Marie "Cindy" Teel passed away on July 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She transitioned peacefully from this life to her eternal home with her savior Jesus Christ. She will be remembered for her bright smile and contagious laugh. Underneath that joyful, almost childlike happiness, was a woman of great strength, seriousness and character. She courageously battled cancer for more than four years with a pragmatism and maturity that is an inspiration.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Cindy spent most of her life in the St. Louis area. Her family was always an important foundation and anchor in Cindy's life. She was close to her three siblings and loved her parents. When her adored and adoring father Billy passed away decades ago, Cindy became an even more important source of support and companionship for her mother, Marie. As the only sibling still living near Marie in St. Louis, she took on many responsibilities to make sure Marie was well cared for, and they grew very close and shared a special bond. Though she had no children of her own, her seven nieces and nephews were like adopted children to Cindy. Cindy's "family" included the many children she taught for years in Sunday School at her church.

At the heart of her home was a love for animals; Cindy's other children were her "fur babies." She shared her space and affection with her cherished cats, first Sydney and Melbourne, then Boo and Bear, and finally her beloved dog Peanut—a loyal Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier mix. They all knew the gentleness of her touch and the kindness in her soul.

Because of her warmth and approachable nature, Cindy made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. She has many friends dating back to early working days, college and even childhood. She made many close friends in her early adult years attending Parkway Baptist Church. When health concerns encouraged her to move (at far too early an age) into a retirement community, she embraced the opportunity to make new friends. Soon she was taking part in game nights, music events, and just about every social activity her new community had to offer. Easy going, approachable, accepting, inclusive and generous are words friends have used to describe Cindy. Being friends with Cindy was just easy and comfortable.

Cindy flourished in her professional life by combining strong technical skills and work ethic with her warm people skills. Cindy studied Business Administration and Computer Science at Southwest Baptist University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She started her work career at Phillip Morris as a Merchandise Assistant and moved from there to Brown Shoe Company where she gained valuable experience as an information technology developer. That IT experience led her to healthcare company Centene where she progressed through many roles, culminating in her position as Senior Developer and Project Lead. Cindy's technical skills and team attitude made her indispensable at Centene and earned her the admiration and recognition of her co-workers and managers. She reluctantly left her role at Centene only when health conditions dictated.

Much of Cindy's free time was spent enjoying family, friends and pets. She enjoyed joining friends for a night out at a favorite restaurant or going on a cruise. In quieter moments, she was a seeker of simple joys. Her artistic side shone brightly through intricate diamond art creations; each piece crafted with patience and creativity. She enjoyed immersing herself in puzzles and games, always eager to match wits in a game of cards or Scrabble and share laughter with those she loved. Shopping was another canvas for her, a thrill as she uncovered bargains on Amazon; a new purse or a tea pot bringing a touch of excitement into everyday life.

The story of Cindy's life is rich with the family who will remember her and carry her in their hearts always. She is survived by her devoted mother, Marie Teel; her loving brothers, Mark Teel and Kevin Teel; her dear sister, Laurie Jones, as well as brother-in-law, Theron Jones, and sisters-in-law, Michele Teel and Dimity Teel. Her light continues to shine in her nieces—Christy Minotte, Sarah Won, Rachel Smith, and Katie Teel—and nephews—Ryan Teel, Nathan Jones and Jackson Teel. Preceding her in death was her beloved father, Billy Teel, whose memory she treasured. Each of these family members knew and shared in the laughter, sweetness of spirit and quiet strength that defined Cindy.

Cindy will be remembered for her cheerful countenance, ready smile, and happy laugh. She will be admired for the way she loved life and fought illness so heroically, embracing optimism in the face of discouragement and manifesting a unique ability to make those around her feel accepted and welcome. Though she has left our sight, Cindy lives on in the joys of family gatherings, the challenge of a well-played game, the beauty in a finished puzzle, and the unspoken comfort of a loyal pet’s presence. She showed us that artistry is not limited to masterpieces but found also in small diamond art pictures crafted in peaceful moments, and that love for family, friends and life can be quiet yet fierce.

A service celebrating Cindy's life will be held Sunday, July 19, at noon in the chapel at Breeze Park Retirement Community in Weldon, Spring. Friends and family are invited to gather to remember and celebrate a life so sweetly and joyously lived. As we say our goodbyes, we do so with gratitude for the memories Cindy gave us and for the parts of her story that live on in each of us.

Cynthia Marie Teel—beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend—will be deeply missed and long remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.