Cynthia Diane Cox-Longchamps

Cynthia Diane Cox-Longchamps, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, surrounded by family and friends in Rock Island, Illinois. Her funeral service was held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa.

Born in Warren, Ohio, on December 20, 1947, Cynthia was the beloved daughter of Melvin and Florence (Carpenter) Cox. The second eldest of six sisters, (Kathrine, Carolyn, Julie, Nancy, and Michelle) she spent the great majority of her younger years in Seattle Washington, where Melvin worked as a chemical engineer for Boeing, and Florence ran their household on Queen Anne Hill.

Cynthia lived a life devoted to compassion, service, and community. A visionary and advocate for healing, she founded several impactful organizations, notably including; Family Life Center and the accompanying Louise DuBridge-Wege Living Garden in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as Tolfree Wellness Park in West Branch, Michigan. Previous to this hallmark work, she launched programs on-the-ground throughout Martinique and Canada supporting "latchkey" youth — providing several life-enhancing activities that offered kids in need a lift out of isolation, loneliness, and boredom — and the commonly associated struggles.

Her work accelerated innovation in integrative healthcare and caregiving for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and a range of developmental disabilities. Along with her dear friend (and landscape architect), Martha Tyson – horticultural therapy and other holistic methods were at the core of her visions and provided dignified and effective enhancements in the care received by many.

Those who knew Cynthia will remember her immense generosity, genuine kindness, stoic strength, and unwavering belief in the power of care and connection. She dedicated her life to helping others and inspired countless people to do the same as a woman of deep faith.

Cynthia’s legacy of love and service lives on through her children—John Paul Longchamps, Pierre Joseph Longchamps, and Anne-Marie Thérèse Longchamps—and her grandson, Leon Joseph Longchamps.

Her family invites all who knew and loved Cynthia to share their memories, stories, and messages of condolence in the guestbook below. Your words and reflections are a cherished way to honor her beautiful spirit and the impact she had on so many lives.