Cynthia Swoboda

Cynthia Ann Swoboda, 68, left this world and entered the next on Friday, June 5, 2026. She died the way she lived her life; with grace and dignity and surrounded by the love of family and friends. Cindy was born September 28,1957, to Dan and Rosemary (Miller) Etzel in Topeka. She spent her early years living in the Highland Park neighborhood where she attended St. Matthew Catholic School and then Hayden High School through the ninth grade. The family moved to Lake Shawnee and Cindy graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1975. She enrolled in cosmetology school and earned her license before going to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1977. Cindy retired from AT&T following a 36-year career in 2013. Cindy married Tegan Swoboda on November 24,1989. They enjoyed a love story of nearly four decades, raising two daughters and a son, traveling the country, and doting on eight grandchildren and numerous granddogs. Cindy loved to plan a vacation. Door County, Wisconsin, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Sanibel Island, Florida, Boise, Idaho, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas held special significance in her heart. Cindy returned to college and earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Highland Community College in 2014 and then spent more than a decade caring for and shaping the development of her own grandchildren. Grammy was Cindy’s most prized title, as evidenced by her steady attendance at soccer games, dance recitals, school programs and preschool helper days. Music was an integral part of who she was, and she could often be heard listening and singing along to the silly and serious soundtracks of her life, which included Carole King, James Taylor, Peter, Paul, and Mary, John Denver, and Billy Joel. Cindy enjoyed working in her flower beds and walking with friends outside or at the mall, was an avid reader and an accomplished seamstress, crafting projects and gifts for the people she loved. She volunteered with many civic and youth organizations in the community over the years, including Kansas Neurological Institute, Girl Scouts, Capital Area Democratic Women, and Junior Achievement, and served as a youth basketball coach, athletics team mom, and the Seaman High School Afterprom chairperson. Cindy will be remembered for her kindness and acceptance of people from all walks of life. Her persistent and determined spirit will live on in those who loved her, as will her penchant for the occasional spoonful of peanut butter. Cindy is survived by her husband Tegan; her children, Shanna Martin (John), Sarah Barkemeyer (Scott), and Michael Swoboda (Olivia), all of Topeka; her grandchildren, Eleanor Martin, Ryan Sloyer, Jonah Martin, Kate Sloyer, Charlie Martin, Miles Swoboda, Cameron Swoboda, and Hartley Swoboda; her beloved terrier, Annie; siblings, Diane Etzel-Wise (Pat Wise), Dan Etzel (Sarah), Linda Hoopes (Brad), and Lisa Hecker (Paul); sister-in-law, Deidre Michael (Harold); brothers-in-law, Seth Swoboda (Joe Anarella), and Shad Swoboda; along with many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Michael John. A celebration of life is planned for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Reynold’s Lodge at Lake Shawnee in Topeka, 3315 SE Tinman Circle. Please dress casually and come ready to celebrate Cindy’s memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Care, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Cynthia Swoboda

September 28, 1957 - June 5, 2026