Obituaries

Cynthia “Cindy” Jean (Arbib) Pierson, age 66, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on October 8, 2023, with friends and family by her side after a fierce battle with cancer. She was born on September 15, 1957, in Springfield, Illinois, to parents Eugene Arbib and Penny (Broida-Arbib) Wedding.

In her youth, Cindy split her time between her home state of Florida and Mackinac Island, where she worked at the family business during the summer. Having worked at Thunderbird Gifts since the age of 12, she was well-poised to take over the business as she grew into adulthood, successfully running the store for decades until the family sold the property in 2022.

She married the love of her life, Barry Pierson, in 1986 in St. Ignace, Michigan, where they raised their family. Her children and later grandchildren were the absolute light of her life.

Cindy had a passion for traveling, especially to any place where she could read a good book on a sandy beach. More than anything, though, Cindy loved her family. She devoted her time and energy to showering her family with love, making wonderful memories through the years with her husband and their sons. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and leaves behind a legacy of love and strength.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Barry; children, Chase Pierson, Zachary (Kelsey) Pierson, Charlie (Christina) Pierson, and Hayley Pierson; grandchildren, Lucas and Madison, and siblings, Catherine Arbib, Allan Arbib, and Stephanie Arbib and mother, Penny Wedding.

Cindy is preceded in death by her father, Eugene.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Lakeside Cemetery in St. Ignace at 12:30 PM, and a luncheon to follow at the United Methodist Church in St Ignace.

Memorials in Cindy’s memory may be left to the Mackinac Straits Health System Foundation at 1140 N State St, St. Ignace, MI 49781 or online at www.mackinacstraitshealth.org/donate. A designation to the Oncology Department, who provided incredible care throughout Cindy’s battle, or Hooping for a Cure, who provides financial assistance to local families battling cancer, would be Cindy’s wishes.