We invite you to join us for a very special Celebration of Life honoring Cindy Spear (9/21/1934 – 7/20/2023), the last surviving founding member of Unity Church of Overland Park.
Cindy passed away a few years ago, but her love, faith, and dedication to this spiritual community have continued to ripple through the lives she touched. Now, her beloved family is ready to celebrate her life in the spirit of joy, remembrance, and connection.
🕊 Celebration of Life for Cindy Spear
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Fillmore KC Event Space
Cindy was more than a founding member—she was the heart of our community. Her presence lit up every room she entered. Whether she was offering a warm smile, a listening ear, or heartfelt words of wisdom, Cindy embodied Unity principles and lived a life of purpose and love.
This service is open to all who wish to honor Cindy’s memory and celebrate the profound impact she had on UCOP and beyond.
In Her Memory
In lieu of flowers, Cindy’s family invites you to consider making a donation to Unity Church of Overland Park in her honor.
To make a gift, please visit our Giving Page and select “Cindy Spear Memoriam” from the dropdown options. Your generous donation will help carry forward the legacy Cindy helped build—a spiritual home grounded in love, faith, and unity.
A Touch of Pink 🌸
If you plan to attend, feel free to wear something pink or bring a single pink carnation in her memory— a beautiful symbol of the love she so freely gave.
Come together in gratitude, remembering a remarkable woman who helped shape our spiritual home and whose love continues to guide us.
📸 Photo Tribute
We invite you to take a moment and browse through a collection of cherished images that capture the warmth, joy, and radiant spirit of Cindy. These photos reflect her love for life, her devotion to our community, and the many relationships she nurtured over the years.
📝 Obituary Excerpt
Cynthia Jeanne “Cindy” Spear was a well-loved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and a founding member of Unity Church of Overland Park. She passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 88. Cindy’s warmth, leadership, and joy for life touched everyone she knew.
Click here to read her full obituary
9/21/1934 – 7/20/2023
Overland Park
Cynthia Jeanne (Cindy) Spear was born September 21, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Karl E. and Rhoda C. Spear, the eldest of four children. She passed away on July 20, 2023, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Cindy was a well-loved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1952 before attending Baker University. While at Baker, Cindy was in choir and played varsity volleyball all four years and varsity softball three years. She was Secretary of the Class of 1956, President of the Women’s Athletic Association, Phi Mu President, President of the Panhellenic Council, and Vice President of the French Club. Cindy graduated from Baker in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
After graduation, Cindy trained at St. Luke’s Hospital in KCMO, working as a Medical Technologist for Drs. Byers, Ballard, Thompson, Skillman, Petitt and Forsythe’s Offices. She also served as a burn care nurse, where her compassionate care helped those in great need. She was a member of the Greater KC Medical Technologists Society. After taking postgraduate courses at KU Medical Center, she eventually went back to college, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1983 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Cindy worked in hospice care until her retirement. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Clinical Social Workers, she also served as a KU School Official Welfare Practicum Liaison. Even after retirement, she volunteered with Daughters and Co., providing loving care and assistance to the elderly. She was a member of the NE Johnson County Republican Women and Phi Mu Alumnae of Greater KC. She always stayed connected to her beloved Phi Mu sisters, especially her “Breakfast Bunch,” who met monthly in Kansas City up to 2019.
Fifty years ago, Cindy was a founding member of the Unity Church of Overland Park. She especially enjoyed fellowship in between services by welcoming all with coffee. Her passions included Unity teachings, being in the church choir, reading (especially about holistic health and stress management), bowling, golf, wood carving, and bird watching. Always a respected leader, she served as Vice-President on the Wyandotte-Johnson County Women’s Bowling Association Board. Cindy faithfully sent birthday cards to all family and friends, showering us with food and gifts, telling jokes and adding a playful atmosphere to family gatherings.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Rhoda Spear, her sister, Pat Potter, and nephews Sam and Steve Potter. She is survived by her sister, Janice Craig (Baldwin); her brother, Karl (Bud) Spear and his wife, Nancy (Colorado/Nova Scotia), and brother-in-law, Oke Potter (Baldwin), as well as her many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.
Cindy’s Celebration of Life will be held at her beloved Unity Church of Overland Park in Lenexa on Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCOP. UCOP address is: Plexpod Lenexa, 10000 Marshall Dr.
Originally published by Lawrence Times. Used with gratitude.
