Cindy Georgina Goerlitz, 83, of Waynesboro, PA and formerly of Washington State, passed away, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at her home.
Cindy was born on May 7, 1940, in Pueblo, Colorado to George & Laura Mae Embree. Cindy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a tireless worker and more specifically a caregiver. Cindy worked as a waitress and eventually bar and restaurant owner before changing career paths to childcare and ultimately nursing in both institutional and private, residential care settings. At the end of her career, Cindy owned and operated an adult family home and provided personalized care to many and support to their families during the 13 years the home was open.
Cindy rarely let herself sit and relax, but when she did, she was an avid reader and designed and assembled by hand keepsake quilts that she gifted to not only her family, but also made to donate to women’s shelters for warmth and comfort in difficult times.
Cindy will be remembered by friends and family for her fiercely independent spirit, never-ending generosity, whip-smart banter, quick wit, charm and sense of humor. Cindy’s home was open to all, and to be a friend of her children meant you were family to her.
Cindy was preceded in death by her father George Embree and mother Laura Mae Taylor Embree; brothers, Ernest (Tom) Freeman, Ed Freeman, Charles Freeman; and sisters, Nadine Fern, Kathryn West, Myrtle Chase and Novellene Freeman.
She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Lewis of Lynnwood, WA, Donald Goerlitz of Mountlake Terrace, WA, and David Goerlitz of Washinton D.C.; and daughter Kristen (Goerlitz) Oldham of Waynesboro, PA. Cindy will be fondly remembered by her former husband, Jerry Goerlitz of Frederick, MD. She is also survived by her sisters Jean (Jenny) Lawton of San Diego, CA and Dorothy Reazin of Albuquerque, NM; and brother, Ray Embree of Staples, TX.
Cindy is also survived by six grandchildren -Jesse Goerlitz of Wenatchee, WA, Christopher Goerlitz of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Brent Bare of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Catherine Lewis of Lynnwood, WA, Hayden Oldham of Waynesboro, PA, and Sofie and Tobias Goerlitz of Washington D.C.; great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Washington County and Franklin Hospice and each and every one of the caring staff members there who touched Cindy’s life and provided such loving care for Cindy in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Washington County, 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740 and Franklin Hospice, 209 Grant St, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
