Cynthia Louise Akins

Cynthia Louise (Tinnes) Akins went to meet Jesus on Saturday, February 11^th, 2023.  Born to Ken and Charlotte Tinnes on July 7, 1952, and the 3^rd of 5 children, Cindy was a source of joy to all that met her.

Cindy was a 1970 graduate of West Chicago High School and became a licensed beautician. Her mom, Charlotte, was her beauty model for the exam!   In her late teens she lived it up in an apartment downtown West Chicago with her cousins Gary & Karr and friend Liz.   Shortly thereafter she moved to Atlanta, GA with Dirk Bender. In 1979 they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Trisha to the world. Cindy made her way back to Fairview Ave in West Chicago and married the boy next door!  Tim Akins was the love of her life and they married on November 3^rd, 1984.  They were known for their uniqueness and making the silliest things fun! It was a pleasure for all of us to watch them on the dance floor!

Cindy spent most of her life on Fairview Avenue in West Chicago. Her home was a showcase of her talent as a gardener, sprinkled with all the mementos of what was important to her in life.  Her framed scriptures, photos of family, Marine memorabilia from Tim, her flair for decorating and her love for all things was evident in her home.  

Cindy loved people that needed to be loved.   Whether it was an elderly neighbor needing a little household support, or a lonely stranger on the corner, Cindy recognized that and shone her lights of love.  She cared for her parents and for her elderly neighbors with joy and her own unique blend of fun.

Cindy’s love for all things extended to animals as well.  A supporter of the feral cat program, Cindy had 9 cats!  She loved each of them, creating special areas of the house just for them. She nursed outside animals as well.

Cindy passed on her gardening talent and design skills to her daughter Trisha.  Trisha is the owner of K’nees Florist in Moline and Cindy was so very proud of all that her daughter accomplished. She loved her grandchildren fiercely.  She was their “Gwa”. Her conversations with Isaiah were so meaningful to her, and her visits with Charlotte were so special and fun.  She felt a strong bond with her son in law Eric and felt so blessed to have him in their lives.   

Even when she was ill and barely able to navigate to the doctor’s office, Cindy would take time to support the other ill patients with a smile and a prayer.   On the day of Cindy’s terminal diagnosis, she provided comfort to her medical care team.  She told them she loved them, inquired about their families, reminded them that God is Good, and thanked them.  This is who Cindy was; a truly beautiful person inside and out, who always offered comfort, light and joy.   I was her smiley girl” said one of her favorite nieces.  “I was smiley because she put it there”.

Cindy’s siblings and daughter provided round the clock care for her and while this was difficult, the experience was Cindy’s final example of bringing together love and faith.   They were each honored to be a part of this. 

Thank you, Cindy, for your life and love examples!

Cindy is survived by her loving daughter, Trisha (Eric) Engle of Coal Valley, stepdaughters Jessica (Sean) Hussey of Ohio and Mandy Akins of Georgia; Siblings Carol (Mike) Dwyer of Naperville, Christine (Santo) Ianno of West Chicago; brother Steve Tinnes (friend Marie) of Colorado and Philip (Mary) of West Chicago; Grandchildren Isaiah, Charlotte, Maddy and Olivia. Nieces and Nephews Michael Dwyer, Bryan (Tracy) Dwyer, Mark (Jennifer) Dwyer, Katie (Steven) Bennetsen, Betsy Dwyer, Kimberly (Corey) Ripperger, Rebecca Mueller, Elliott (Christen) Tinnes, Kenneth Charles (Lauren) Tinnes and Kelly (Paul) Lux, nineteen great-nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Akins, parents Ken and Charlotte, and Nephew Matthew P. Dwyer.

Donations in Cindy’s name may be made to Feral Fixers, of DuPage County or Rescued, of Moline, IL. Both will be assisting in the rehoming of Cindy’s most beloved pets.

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18^th from 3-5 with a service from 5-6, officiated by Cindy’s dear friend, Pastor Bill Rowe, at Norris-Segert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago (One block north of Washington St. & Main St).  The family welcomes everyone to a party to celebrate Cindy’s life immediately following the service at 140 W Grandlake Blvd, Suite A, West Chicago, IL.

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