Cynthia L. Westerfield

Cynthia Lynn (Fucone) Westerfield, age 61, resident of Petersburg, ND, died peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the NCHS Care Center in McVille, ND.

Dominic “Tony” and Mary (Brownfield) Fucone welcomed Cindy into the world on August 7, 1962, in Terre Haute, IN.  As a teenager she worked at Burger Chef where she met the love of her life, who was also flipping burgers.  She married Keith Westerfield on November 19, 1980 in Terre Haute.  They had two children, Dominic and Elijah.  Keith joined the Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK.  After four years they were transferred to Grand Forks AFB, ND, and then moved to Petersburg, ND, where they have lived for almost 30 years.

Cindy said her favorite job was being a mom and a grandma/nona.  She spent many years as a stay-at-home-mom while also volunteering at the schools her children attended.  She also had her own business, Cindy Lynn Crafts, and traveled to shows around the region.  Cindy then worked at Dakota Prairie High School in Petersburg as the Kitchen Manager and Head Cook, preparing meals for her “kids” (students).  She was deeply invested in their success and dearly loved each and every one of them.

Although she never took on the role professionally, she was a natural, innovative teacher.  Whether it was teaching community painting classes; letting family in on the secret recipes for her famous tomato sauce with raviolis, lemon meringue and pumpkin pies, and sugar cookies; patiently nurturing her grandchildren to be thoughtful and curious; or sharing her green thumb abilities as a master gardener with tips and tricks for a thriving flower and vegetable garden, she was always excited to share her wealth of knowledge.  One of her favorite places to relax was the all-season greenhouse Keith built her, where she could read, research family ancestry, and nap.

Cindy was preceded in death by her son, Dominic; her parents, Dominic “Tony” and Mary (Brownfield) Fucone; and siblings: Jerry Smith, Billy Smith, Raymond Smith, Randy Smith, and Peggy Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Westerfield of Petersburg, ND; son, Elijah Westerfield and partner Beth Olson of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Rylan and Hugh; sisters, Joan Laycock, Linda Mix, Mary Ellen McKenzie, and Flori Beddow; life-long friend, Annette Hunt; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Hank and Dexter.

Cindy’s incredible sense of humor, creativity, passion, playful and feisty spirit, and ability to turn an ordinary day into a fun adventure is irreplaceable, as is her presence.  She is so dearly loved and will be missed so much.  We will carry her memory in our hearts, forever and always.

The family would like to thank the staff of NCHS Care Center for the care and compassion they provided these past two years.

Cindy’s memorial service will be on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Petersburg Lutheran Church (310 5th St.).

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