Cynthia “Cindy” D. Nash
Cynthia “Cindy” D. Nash, 71, of Onaway, passed away peacefully at home Sunday morning, September 6, 2026. Born in Onaway November 20, 1954, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Alma (Beatty) McDonald. Cindy built a beautiful life in the community she always called home, and October 26, 1974, she married Stephen W. Nash in Onaway. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage before Stephen’s passing October 26, 2017.
Throughout her life, Cindy was a familiar and friendly face in Onaway. For 32 years, she worked as a cook and baker at Woodwinds Restaurant, where her talent, care and love for preparing delicious meals and baked goods became part of the restaurant’s heart. She retired in November of 2025 due to declining health, though her desire to keep baking never faded. Cindy had a true gift in the kitchen, blessing countless people with her homemade bread, delicious cookies, soft gooey cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes and cheesecakes. Anyone who ordered a meal or dessert at Woodwinds during the years Cindy was in the kitchen experienced a small piece of Cindy’s warmth and devotion to doing what she loved.
For Cindy, cooking and baking were never simply a paycheck; they were part of who she was. The same care she shared in the kitchen at Woodwinds filled her home, where she loved preparing meals and treats for her family. Feeding the people she loved was one of the many ways Cindy showed her heart. Whatever her family asked for, she was happy to make it, and she made it well. Her family often joked, with love, that her cooking may have been responsible for a few extra pounds over the years.
That same nurturing spirit reached beyond the kitchen and into Cindy’s home and yard. She found comfort in life’s simple pleasures, especially working in her flower gardens, feeding the birds and quietly enjoying the beauty of nature around her. Content in the place she loved most, Cindy enjoyed working in her yard and making her home feel welcoming. She and Stephen made a wonderful team; he tended the vegetable garden, and she spent hours canning the harvest they were blessed with. Her love for home was also reflected in the little treasures she collected over the years. Knickknacks and figurines of eagles, bears and cardinals could be found throughout her home, each one adding a touch of personality to the place she so lovingly cared for.
Christmas brought out Cindy’s generous spirit in an especially sweet way. Each year, she made more cookies than seemed possible, filling the season with warmth, tradition and the love she poured into every batch. She also passed that love on by teaching her grandchildren to bake, leaving them memories they will carry with them always.
More than anything, Cindy treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a proud grandmother. Her grandchildren spent countless weekends with her, as well as many summer days, creating memories that became a cherished part of their childhood. Cindy especially loved family camping trips to Tomahawk Lake, where everyone could be together. Those days were filled with campfires, swimming, cooking out and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people she loved most. Cindy’s loving nature also extended to her little Jack Russell terrier, Charlie, who brought her comfort, joy and many smiles, offering steady companionship in the quiet days at home following Steve’s passing.
Cindy had a quiet strength, a strong will, and a kind and caring heart. She was sweet, honest and wonderfully stubborn in her own way. Often quiet by nature, when Cindy had something to say, it was worth hearing. She was sincere, thoughtful, and had a steady presence. Cindy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her devotion to her family, her incredible strength, her gentle spirit and the strong work ethic that guided her throughout her life.
Surviving Cindy are her children, Tammy O’Neill of Afton, Guy (Misty) Post of Onaway and Michelle (Lee) Kaszubowski of Millersburg; the grandchildren she adored, Cindy, Meagan, Dylan and Emma; and her great-grandchildren, Zarack and Nick. She also leaves her sisters, D
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve Nash; a son-in-law, Bret O’Neill; sisters, Betty Post, Vivian Sobeck and Nancy Post; a brother, Tom McDonald; brothers-in-law, Patrick Kerr, Alger Fleming, Dick Sobeck and Tom Hitchcock; and her in-laws, Clarence and Marjorie Nash.
A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery Saturday, September 26, at 1 p.m. with Jerry and Sally Kaszubowski officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Cindy to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund or to Hospice of Michigan.
