Lucinda Stewart

Lucinda Lee Stewart, lovingly known as Cindy, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 70 supported and surrounded by her family. Born on March 12, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cindy lived her life fully with dedication, perseverance, purpose and love for her community, her business, her family and downtown Kalamazoo.

Cindy's early years were spent in Kalamazoo, where she attended Fairview Elementary, Parkwood, South Junior High and Loy Norrix High School. She was proud to continue her education at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, where she earned her undergraduate degree. After graduating, Cindy embarked on a successful career in sales and marketing with Champion International Paper Company, working out of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stamford, Connecticut; and New York City. However, her passion for design and her deep connection to her family's legacy led her back to Kalamazoo.

Cindy became the third-generation owner and operator of her family's furniture store, originally known as Stewart & Clarke Fine Furniture & Interior Design and later renamed Stewart & Company Furniture. Under her leadership, and with support of her dedicated employees, the store thrived as a cornerstone of downtown Kalamazoo for fine retail and interior design services. Cindy's vision and dedication and that of her staff ensured that the business remained a vital part of the community for many years.

Cindy was a devoted wife to Rick Welch and a loving mother to Andrew Welch (Bee Mann) and Elizabeth Welch (Scott Lymburner). She cherished her sisters Marti Stewart, Judy Rodes (Rick), and Nancy Stewart (David Ginsburg). She also shared close bonds with her extended family, including her sister-in-law Barb Peterson (Gary), brother-in-law Jahed Djomehri (Najla), and numerous nieces and nephews: Scott Churchley (Danñelle), Brett Churchley, Brian Churchley (Kristie), Megan Reeser (Tyler), Jennifer Swetland (Jeff), Stewart Rodes, Chris Rodes, Britt Fero (Scott), Brad Peterson (Wilbeth Flojo), Haley Trudeau (Ryan), Ihsan Djomehri (Huda), Sama'a Djomehri, Sabra Djomehri (Nada), and fifteen grand-nieces and nephews who brought joy to her life. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents James and Winnie Stewart; parents-in-law Dick and Eloise Welch; sister-in-law Linda Djomehri; and nephew Salih Djomehri.

Beyond her dedication to her business, when Cindy managed to pry herself away from the store, she found enrichment in various personal passions, time spent in nature and in seeking love and connection with those around her. She always looked forward to opportunities to travel with family and friends, spending time at the family cottage on Lake Michigan and cabin on Lake Hubert, skiing out west, jogging in Klienstuck Preserve, attending book club meetings, and savoring afternoon trips to get her coffee fix at Water Street Coffee Joint or her other local favorite coffee shops around town. She was rooted in her community and cared deeply for those around her. Known for her warm smile and genuine hugs, Cindy brought kindness and encouragement to those she encountered throughout her life.

Her commitment to community service was an unwavering and important part of her life. Cindy was an active member of the Downtown Kalamazoo community for decades. She participated in organizations such as the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership and Downtown Tomorrow Incorporated. She also served on the development committee for the YWCA of Kalamazoo. Her voice and efforts provided meaningful impact to the community she loved so dearly.

In her final year, Cindy met significant impacts to her health with remarkable spirit and determination. Surrounded by the love of her family and friends near and far, she demonstrated immense strength, courage and grace that made a lasting impact on those who witnessed and knew her. Cindy and her family would like to continue to express gratitude to everyone whom she encountered in her healthcare journey including the administrators, customer service professionals, specialists, nurses and doctors who cared for her at the University of Michigan and MD Anderson of Houston, Texas. Cindy's legacy is one of compassion, immense resilience, and dedication-to her family, friends, business, and community. May her memory bring inspiration and joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Service will be held in Cindy's honor on August 29, 2026, at 03:00 pm at First Congregational Church, 345 W Michigan Ave. followed by a Celebration of Life with refreshments from 05:30 pm to 08:30 pm at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St. The family welcomes those who cannot join for the Celebration of Life to visit at the church early prior to the service from 1:30pm - 2:30 pm.

Local arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.langelands.com

The family asks that you please consider directing donations in lieu of flowers to the following charitable causes which Cindy fervently supported throughout her life – YWCA of Kalamazoo & Planned Parenthood of Kalamazoo.