It is with deep sadness and heaviest of hearts that we have had to face the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Cynthia Cauthern, Feb. 1957 – April 2019.
If you never met Cynthia, you missed out on a real spit-fire. If you were one of the lucky ones to know her she likely lit up your day like she did ours. She joined 5NINES in 2017 as a senior account manager and met many of you over the past couple of years. Todd Streicher, CEO, met Cynthia in his green tech years back in the mid 90’s. She was his account manager at Compuware. Todd and Cynthia worked on and off with each other for nearly 25 years.
Her death comes as a shock to all those who knew her. She was such a generous, loving and giving person. She was hilarious and sharp witted. Her sense of humor was unmatched. Cynthia could bring joy to so many, and yet she suffered deeply from depression. This surprised us all.
Cynthia’s life partner has asked that memorials in Cynthia’s name be sent to the Urban League of Madison, Dane County Humane Society, or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Madison. Three organizations dear to Cynthia’s heart. We encourage you to read her thoughtful obituary.
It is our hope at 5NINES, that we talk more openly and honestly about what mental health is and isn’t over the coming years. We also hope you talk with your colleagues, family and friends about mental health. Get educated. Even more….please reach out to friends, be kind, be present and check in with each other.
We will miss Cynthia terribly, but hope she has found peace.