Cynthia M. Safstrom

Cynthia M. (Ribb) Safstrom, 86, beloved wife of the late Howard A. Safstrom, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home.

Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Elizabeth (Piskator) Ribb. After graduating from Classical High School, Cynthia went on to further her education at Clark University where she earned her bachelor’s degree. In 1963 she married her husband, Howard and settled in Worcester. They moved to Rutland in 1975. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild and was Superintendent of the Sunday School. She was also a member of the Friends of Rutland Heights Hospital. Cynthia enjoyed spending time with her family.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her daughter, Lynn Wiinikka and her husband, Scot of Rutland and her two grandchildren, Ryan and Lauren Wiinikka. In addition to her husband of 53 years, Howard, she was predeceased by her daughter, Rev. Karen Safstrom in 2020.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 31 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1 at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester. Burial will follow at All Faith’s Cemetery, 9 Island Road, Worcester.

Her family thanks the nurses and staff of the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their compassionate and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.

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