Cindy Berend

We finally caught our breath for a minute and wanted to express our gratitude to all those who have helped, and are continuing to help, us through these trying times. The turnout for Mom’s search inspired a positive attitude in the family that kept us hopeful and grateful instead of overwhelmed, and we wish we could thank each volunteer individually but things are becoming a blur so we hope you all know how important it was for us to work together with all of you and struggle and hope for the best together. We hope exhausting ourselves and our efforts helps all of you as much as it did us as we move through the process of grief; our community suffered a big loss in Mom, too, but know that all of you did everything you could in both her search and her life to help her and us. You truly were as important to her as she made you feel.

We especially want to thank the sheriff and staff along with the troopers, officers, firemen and other responders for directing the army of love. Your professionalism in the midst of emotion vs. protocol secured us in the feeling of competence and efficiency as compassionately as possible for such a large undertaking. Not once did any of us feel anger, impatience, or frustration with any of the process; never more have we felt protected and served.

To all those who kept the household running, and are continuing to do so, with food, drinks, clean-up, kid relief, etc. , one of the reasons we haven’t been able to express our gratitude at length until now is because our hands and mouths have been full of food! It is amazing to experience the love returned as a large result of the love Mom sowed; such generosity has altered our perspectives moving forward on how to support grieving loved ones and neighbors as the example you all set raises the bar for us when we are called upon to serve you later, and we hope you accept us then too.

Cynthia Marie Berend, 63, passed away Monday, July 3, 2017 in Graham. Cindy was born March 30, 1954 in Olney to the late Vera Hoff and Edmund Joseph Conrady. She graduated from Windthorst High School, received her bachelor's degree in Education from Midwestern State University. She married her high school sweetheart Mike Berend on November 25, 1972 in Windthorst. Cindy was a woman who loved God, family, friends, & students to the moon and back.

Survivors include: husband , Mike Berend of Graham; daughter, Kasie and husband Matt Fitzsimmons of Murphy; sons, Denny and wife Penny Berend of Graham, Kyle and wife Cameron Berend of Graham, and Lee and wife Shelby of Wichita Falls; 9 Grandchildren, Madison Fitzsimmons, Reagan Fitzsimmons, Kylee Fitzsimmons, Hadley Berend, Max Berend, Casimir Berend, Camille Berend, Cannon Berend, and Cree Berend; 23 Godchildren.

She was preceded in death by brother, Les Conrady.

We want to confirm service dates as well in hopes this gets shared through all media: there will be a Rosary at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Graham on Thursday, July 6, 2017 beginning at 7PM in the main church followed by visiting and sharing memories with the family in the fellowship hall at 7:30. A Memorial Mass on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10AM at St. Mary's, also in the main church with a live feed to the hall, will be her “funeral” for all intents and purposes followed by fellowship; the burial will come later. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Cindy Berend Memorial Scholarship "To the Moon" at Ciera Bank, 623 Elm Street, Graham, TX 76450.