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Cynthia Lafuente Obituary

Cynthia B. Lafuente, age 49, of Wilmette, IL. Beloved partner of Jerry L. Smith. Loving daughter of Henry and Dini Burt and dear sister of Henry J. & Linda Burt and Stephen & Emily Burt. Loving aunt of Maddy, Claire and John and loving supporter of Lexie and Brodie Smith. Cyndi was a graduate of Duke University and Chicago-Kent College of Law which led to a distinguished career in International Tax in both the private and public sectors. Cyndi's professional and volunteer work included the Chicago Finance Exchange (The Enterprising Kitchen), Tax Executives Institute, and International Fiscal Association. A reception will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 5-7pm at Glen Oak County Club, 21W451 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Finance Exchange, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606 or www.chicagofinanceexchange.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central DuPage News/Leader/Post/Press on Mar. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Lafuente

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Mary Gillmarten

March 2, 2019

It is so hard to believe Cyndi has been gone so long! 2012? I still think of her so often and wonder what she would think of this and that, she is still so missed, she always will be, Mike's right, she enriched everyone's life and still does.

Michael Durst

March 2, 2019

Cyndi enriched all her colleagues' lives so much!

Mary Anne Young

September 18, 2012

Dini, Henry, Jay and Steve- I just read of Cyndi's passing. I am stunned and so deeply sorry. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to you all,

Sharyl Schwartz

July 24, 2012

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Cyndi was a law school friend and thinking of her makes my heart smile. We bumped into each other in Glenview and it was like no time had passed. My deepest condolences.

Barbara Susman

July 18, 2012

Cyndi was a law intern in the 80's with my law practice...many years ago. She was enthusiastic, bright and fluent in Spanish - a passion we shared. While it has been years since we had seen one another, I was stunned to learn that she is no longer with us. Peace to her and all those who knew and loved her.
Barbara A. Susman, Chicago,Illinois USA

Peter Jones

April 26, 2012

I am just discovering this sad news today. I am deeply sorrowed for the loss of our beloved classmate and friend. I have such fond memories of Cyndi growing up. The world is a little less bright today. My prayers to all who loved Cyndi. May God bring peace.

Ralph and Barb Gabric

March 27, 2012

Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. We are praying for peace for your family.

Michael Durst

March 26, 2012

So many in Washington will miss Cyndi. She was always a source of decency, insight and friendship.

Rita & Kurt Raggi

March 21, 2012

Jerry & the Burt family,
Our sympathy to you all at this difficult time. Cyndi was a fun & friendly person that we got to know over the years.
I remember her coming over one Saturday morning and digging up my hosta plants and transfering them to her beautiful back yard. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories that she left with all of us. She will be missed.

Susan Dyer

March 18, 2012

Henry, Dini, Jaybird and Stephen---
I am so sorry to hear about Cindy. I can only remember a beautiful sweet little blond girl and some of the best times the Dyer girls ever had up in Michigan with your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Eli Dicker

March 15, 2012

"May her memory be for an eternal blessing."

Dave and Kristine Schmitt

March 14, 2012

Jerry, our condolences to you, your family and your friends for your loss. We will miss seeing Cyndi in the neighborhood.

Mary Gisch

March 13, 2012

When I think of Cyndi, I see a smiling face. My condolences and prayers are with you Jerry and with her family. We will miss her. Love,

Jeff Friedman

March 13, 2012

Jerry and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Cyndi was such a wonderful neighbor and friend. I will miss her working on the yard this summer. You are in our thoughts.

Barbara McCarthy

March 13, 2012

So sorry to hear about her passing. She has gone back home and is at peace. May all those who loved her know that same peace and celebrate the wonderful person that she was.

Barbara McCarthy

Tom Rozanski

March 13, 2012

May she find peace. Her advocacy in the tax world will be greatly missed.

Mike DiFronzo

March 12, 2012

Cyndi will forever be remembered as a caring, enthusiastic and bright person. She will be missed. My condolences to Jerry and her family.

Karin Sammons

March 11, 2012

So sorry for your loss. May your family find comfort in memories, pictures, and one another. May Cyndi find eternal peace.

Jason and Cary Mann

March 11, 2012

May God's peace be with all of you during this time.

Conrad SpirrisonConradS

March 10, 2012

May she rest in eternal peace.
Dr.& Mrs.Conrad Spirrison

March 10, 2012

Remembering Cyndi today. I still see her gorgeous smile and shining blue eyes, and recall her powerful intellect and sense of daring and fun. My sympathies to all of you. Stacy (Thomas) Krueger, Glenbard West, '80.

Sally Nunemaker

March 10, 2012

So sorry to hear about your family loss. Keep all of your memories near.

March 9, 2012

To the family and loved ones of Cyndi, I knew her beginning in grade school and she was a leader from the get go. Vivacious, trail blazer, smart, and always fun to be around. My sympathies to you for this most unfortunate loss.
Ms. Jennifer Jeffries (Glenbard West class of '81)

Rebekah Gabric Reid

March 9, 2012

How lucky I am to have grown up with Cyndi. I was always in awe of her charisma, confidence, intellegence, and quick wit... and oh so jealous of her beautiful crystal blue eyes. I love you my friend.

March 9, 2012

Dear Burt Family, our love and prayers to you all as we remember Cyndi, a girl beautiful inside and out.......The Mesenbrink
Family, Glen Ellyn, Il.

Jon & DJ Gabric

March 9, 2012

Dear Burts:
I will always have fond memories of Cyndi's big smile and thoughtful words.

Floyd Freeman

March 9, 2012

Although I only worked with Cyndi through discussions on the phone, she was a pleasure to work with; I could tell that she was enthusiastic, joyous and a caring person. My condolences to friends and family.

Phil McGovern

March 9, 2012

My condolences to Jerry and the Burt Family. I worked with Cyndi while she was at ITW and she made the job 'fun'. Thanks Cyndi.

Jamie Schiavone

March 8, 2012

Dear Cyndi,
I write this to you as you will forever be alive in my heart. You were the first person to embrace me when I started my new job at Abbott. I'm lucky to have had such a wonderful friend like you. I will miss you dearly and will always remember your beautiful smile and charisma.

Josh Odintz

March 8, 2012

I worked with Cyndi on the Hill and at the Treasury. She was a dear friend and a shining light in the tax community. I will greatly miss her, especially at our tax burger of the month club. My deepest sympathies to Jerry and Cyndi's family.

Barb Alspaugh

March 8, 2012

My heart goes out to the Burt family.

Maryann Waryjas

March 8, 2012

Dear Jerry and Cyndi's Family,
Although I haven't seen Cyndi in a while, I'll always remember her vibrant smile, terrific enthusiasm, fun-loving personality and warmth and generosity. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to each of you -- she left much too soon.

Nadine & Paul Heidrich

March 8, 2012

We feel deeply blessed to have known you, Cyndi. I will treasure the memories of our talks and walks, of seeing your joy in helping others, in watching as your plans together with Jerry for the house and the gardens materialized, in mentoring others as they navigated personal and professional challenges, and in celebrating successes. You have been a true, honest and good friend; an old soul with beautiful wisdoms. We will think of you with gladness in our hearts for the gift of having known you, despite this overwhelming sadness we must endure in having to let you go so soon.

Our deepest sympathy to you, Jerry, and all of the family, and all who had the opportunity to know such a beautiful human being.

Michael Daujotas

March 8, 2012

I worked with Cyndi at Abbott Laboratories; my condolences to her family and friends for their loss. She left this world way too early.

Mary Gillmarten

March 8, 2012

Dear Jerry, Lexie and Brodie and Burt Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only had the fortune to know Cyndi for a short time, she made a huge impact on my life. She was immensely proud of all of you -- we spent a fun afternoon watching extreme frisbee stunts on her computer! She was a ferocious friend, ally, and supporter; she was a brilliant light in an often grey world. I am grateful and better for having known her. Many blessing, prayers, and fond memories to you all.

March 8, 2012

Dear Burt Family,
I met Cyndi thru the Chicago Finance Exchange and rode home with her just as she was starting her Washington D.C. job. I live on her same street (Central). I remember how enthusiastic she was about what she did . She was well respected in her career. I will miss her as a neighbor and fellow CFE member. Lee Ann Hoover , Wilmette, IL>

Linda Havard

March 8, 2012

I have so many wonderful memories of Cyndi -- from her fantastic cooking to great trips to just plain old girl time. She passed way before her time. My thoughts and prayers to everyone in Cyndi's family.
Love,
Linda Havard

Lisa Wald

March 8, 2012

So sorry for your loss, Burt family. Cyndi was a funny, loving, and kind person and she will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you all. Lisa Peterson Wald (GW Class of 1981)

Bridget Growden Spencer

March 8, 2012

What a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Burt family, co-workers and friends whose sadness must be overwhelming. I remember her bubbly personality, kindness and wit, and was lucky to have known her. Thoughts and prayers go out to all, who are experiencing this loss.

Marianne Wiedner Stride

March 8, 2012

Dear Burt Family,
Most of my high school memories have Cyndi in them. Movies, boyfriends, tanning or just hanging out with friends, she was always there.I cannot count how many nights Cyndi, Rebekah and I sat on your back porch having dinner and laughing. Her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and generous heart will never be forgotten. Words seem inadequate to express my sorrow for your family. You are in my prayers today and always. God Bless all of you.

Robert Dilworth

March 8, 2012

We will always remember Cyndi and her kind smile.

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