Cindy Unsworth (1950 – 2026)

Cindy Unsworth, a faithful servant of God, a retired fourth-grade teacher who held her students to the highest standards and loved her family even more fiercely, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, Texas, on April 2, 2026. She was 75.

A Life of Learning and Love

Born and raised in Michigan, Cindy's life was defined by her passion for education and her devotion to her family. After attending Wayne State University, she moved to Michigan State University, where she earned her degree and met the love of her life. They were married for 50

years, building a half-century legacy of partnership, travel, and unwavering support.

A Champion for Students

Cindy was a force of nature in the classroom. Specializing in 4th-grade language arts, she dedicated her career to Title 1 schools, where she was a tireless advocate for her students. Each year, she taught approximately 120 children, many of whom were bilingual and English was their second language. Her classroom was a place of high expectations, even higher achievement and compassion; year after year, more than 95% of her students met or exceeded standards on the TAAS Writing test. But Cindy didn't just teach grammar she gave her students the confidence and the tools to shape their future. Still to this day her students reach out to her.

A Journey of Strength

The Unsworth family moved from Michigan to El Paso, Texas, in 1990, where they embraced the culture of the Southwest for nearly two decades. In 2009, Cindy was diagnosed with cancer and faced it with the same determination she brought to every part of her life. Following a period in Sun City West, Arizona, Cindy moved to Houston in 2013 to be near her family. Despite the return of her illness in 2017, she remained a pillar of strength, bolstered by her deep faith and her community at Second Baptist Church.

Her Greatest Legacy

While her professional achievements were many, Cindy's greatest joy was her family, especially the time she spent with her grandchildren, whom she adored. She is survived by:

● Don her devoted husband of 50 years.

● Her son Matt and daughter-in-law Shannon, and granddaughter. Ellie.

● Her son Chad and daughter-in-law Leia, and grandchildren Quinn and Chase.

● Her brother Rick Bechtel and niece Lily.

● Her brother-in-laws Rob and Rick, Sister-in-law Sandra and numerous nieces and nephews

● Her brother-in laws Rob and Rick, Sister-in-laws Sandra and numerous nieces and nephews

Cindy will be remembered for her sharp intellect, her grit in the face of adversity, and the thousands of lives she transformed through the power of language