Cynthia Steury-Lattz

Cindy Steury-Lattz, 54, of Kankakee, an outstanding nurse and wonderful wife, grandmother and friend, passed away Wednesday (June 11, 2008) from complications following treatment for leukemia. A memorial visitation will be held from 2 p.m. Monday until the 7 p.m. memorial service at the Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, west Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the KCC Foundation-Cindy Steury-Lattz Memorial Fund for nursing.Cindy was born Dec. 5, 1953 and married Roger Lattz in 1990. Cindy received her nursing degree in 1978 and prior to her illness was a doctorial candidate at Phoenix University. Working as a nursing educator at Kankakee Community College, Cindy was able to help her students relate to the real world of nursing. She encouraged them to continue their educaiton, to provide excellent care and to become active in their professional association. These were beliefs Cindy held strong to.Cindy is best known for her professionalism and sarcastic wit, which she balanced in such a way that allowed everyone to be comfortable around her. She could make someone feel as if they had known her for years in only an instant through her openness and humor. She excelled through her leadership and ability to empathize with those around her.Cindy served as chair of the INA Political Action Committee, and promoted the Student Nurse Political Action Day through her role as an eductor and INA leader. The event continues to be the most successful student nurse event in the state and INA attributes this success to Cindy's dedication. With attendance expanding to more than a thousand students, Cindy's desire to educate the student nurses on the importance of the political process is now shared by educators throughout the state. After becoming a member of the INA Board of Directors in 2001, Cindy set her sights on becoming president of the association she loved so much. In 2007, in the midst of her recovery and treatments, Cindy arrived at the convention to receive the election results. Cindy became the president of the Illinois Nurses Association that night. Her dream had become a reality.Other organizations in which Cindy gave her time include: Order of the Eastern Star, Kankakee County Farm Bureau, Sigma Theta Tau, Zonta Club of Kankakee, and H.O.G. (Harley-Davidson Owners Group), as an associate member.Please remember Cindy with a smile on your face as that is how she would wish it to be. She lived life to its fullest and would wish the same for those left behind. May we treasure each other, our families, loved ones and INA with a sense of renewed faith as she watches over us and guides us to success.Surviving are her husband, Roger L. Lattz, whom she married Jan. 4, 1990, at Friendswood Christian Church; one stepson, Craig Lattz and Mary Tritton of Port Orange, Calif.; one stepdaughter and stepson-in-law, Cheri and Joe Beasley of Manteno; two stepgrandsons, Caleb and Lucas Beasley; two stepbrothers and stepsisters-in-law, Tony and Kathy Marvin of Edgewood, Lynn and Sue Marvin of Effingham; special friends, Mary and Elmer Lawyer of Clifton, Susan Swart of Manteno; and several nieces and nephews.Deceased are her father, Carl Steury; and her mother and stepfather, Wanda Welker Steury Marvin and George Marvin.

Cynthia Steury-Lattz

December 5, 1953 - June 11, 2008