Cindy (Cynthia) McLean

A celebration of life will be held May 30, 2025, in Idaho for Cindy (Cynthia) McLean, 76, of Boise, Idaho, who passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a courageous four-year journey with cancer. She never let cancer define her, meeting its challenges with grace and determination as she continued to make the most of her precious life.

Born on Sept. 13, 1948, in Crystal City, Manitoba, Cindy was the daughter of the late Percy and Delores Mc-Lean. She grew up on a cattle and grain farm near Sarles, N.D., where she spent her days helping with farm life. In high school, she excelled at piano (she played ‘Deep Purple’ like no other!) and alto saxophone. She continued to play during her college years at the University of North Dakota, where she earned her master’s in childhood education.

During college, she married Donavan Grenz and welcomed their first child, Angela.

Cindy began her teaching career in Grand Forks, N.D. In the mid-1970s, the family moved to Linton, N.D., where she raised her four beloved children: Angela, Tana, Justin, and Eric, while continuing her passionate and impactful work as a master teacher. Alongside her dedication to the classroom, she nurtured her love of cooking, gardening, reading, and creativity.

In the 1990s, she moved to Idaho to begin a new chapter and continue her passion for teaching. She later married Si Gilbert, and together they shared over 20 wonderful years filled with travel, cooking, reading, and winters in Key West. She learned to do flat-bottom boat fishing with Si, and together they cultivated deep friendships there. Cindy was also a devoted volunteer, recording books for the Idaho Commission for Libraries for 15 years, and an enthusiastic member of her beloved book club.

Most of all, Cindy was a devoted mother and an attentive grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Si Gilbert, and her children from her first marriage to Donavan Grenz: Angela Golinvaux, Tana (Kent) Richter, Justin (Danielle) Grenz, and Eric (Morgan) Grenz. She was a proud grandmother to Brooklyn and Julia Golinvaux, Grant and Carson Richter, Ashton Grenz, and Chloe and McKenna Grenz. Cindy also leaves behind her sisters, Pamela McLean and Toni McLean, along with nephews and many dear friends who will miss her thoughtful and generous spirit.