Cynthia Dixon

Cynthia Jean Dixon, 65, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and a friend of many. She was born in Kalamazoo on February 14, 1961, and passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, joining her brother Matt in Heaven.

She was the daughter of Sally Dixon-Birch and the late Allen L. Dixon.

Cindy was a treasured child and spent her life enjoying all of her family and friends. She loved music, dancing, going to camp, riding her bike, roller skating and all of her Cabbage Patch dolls, many with the common name of Daisy. She was a cheerful child, always kind, happy and generous. Summertime she spent hours in the pool with her younger brother Paul, they also had many favorite TV shows that they watched together. She also enjoyed being a big sister to her niece, Shawna when she came to visit. Cindy had great experiences traveling, she loved spending time with her grandparents both in Kalamazoo and Up North near LeRoy, MI. She took family trips to Disney World and Clearwater Beach in Florida, Wyoming where she went horseback riding and rafting on the Snake River, North Carolina visits to see her aunt, uncle and cousins, and many trips to Colorado to visit her older brother Matt. She had numerous vacations in Marquette, MI, visiting her mom and second dad Bill, traveling there with one of her brothers, Paul or Matt and on occasion would take a flight to get there. She also went on group trips to Orlando, Nashville, Branson and a Caribbean Cruise.

Cindy attended Special Education in the Portage Schools and John F. Kennedy Center for children with special needs. She also worked at McKercher Workshop. She took classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and participated in Special Olympics for many years with swimming, bowling and running as her main events. Cindy has always loved and benefitted from music and attended WMU music program and also Fiddlehead Music, both programs geared for adults with special needs.

Cindy was a well-loved part of her family. A book was written by her mother about Cindy's difficulties of living with disabilities entitled, My Name is Cynthia, I'm More Than Special Needs. This title is so true, as Cindy had a very full life filled with love and she was indeed considered "Special". Her brothers were proud of her accomplishments; they loved and accepted Cindy just how she was and her special cousin Jacky who was born the same year was a constant companion and support for her throughout her life. All of her family are better people having had Cindy in their lives.

Cindy is survived by her mother Sally and second dad Bill Birch II, her brother Paul Dixon (Donna), her nieces Shawna Johnson (Tim Balkema), Haley Puzevic (Derek) and nephew Jacob Dixon (Sarah), her great nieces and nephews, Melissa Mayoras (Ben), Tyler Johnson, Gunner and Lela Dixon. Her great-great nieces, Augustine Johnson and Lily Mayoras. Her Uncle John Ryskamp (Janet), and her Aunt Marion Day. Cousins, Mark (Ofelia), Peter (Lisa) and Jason Ryskamp, Rebecca Ryskamp (Joel Scott), Nicole Tiley, Stephen Clay (Denise) and John Clay (Meg), Scottie and son Jameson Clay, Terri Weissbach, Karen, Gary and David Day. Step siblings, Bill Birch III, Susan Dame, Nancy Voskuil and Sarah Krahn. Special friends, Souad Gorma, Brenda Kragt, Joan Vandewoude, Amy Smith, Chuck Miller and Reverend Ben Bowater.

She was preceded in passing by her father, Allen L. Dixon, her brother Matthew Dixon, her grandparents, P. J. and Ruth Ryskamp and Lloyd and Laura Dixon, her cousin Scott Clay and Aunts Marguerite Clay and Joyce Weissbach.

Cindy entered the Medilodge of 11th Street, Kalamazoo in January, 2025 for rehabilitation following a serious illness. After it became apparent that she would require total care, Medilodge was very gracious to accept her for long term. Throughout this time, they gave her excellent care and equally important, kindness and love. We are extremely appreciative for all they did for our beloved Cindy. She also received end of life support from Elara Hospice.

Funeral services for Cindy will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Langeland Family Funeral Home 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 when the service begins. Lunch will follow at the funeral home. Cindy will be laid to rest at a private family committal service at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park.

Please visit Cindy's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with her family at https://www.Langelands.com