Cindy Cihlar

Cindy Kay Cihlar passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, after a well fought battle with ovarian cancer.Born second oldest of seven children in Elgin, Ill., she was valedictorian of her high school class. She received a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois and M.B.A. from St. Louis University.For 34 years, she was employed at I.B.M., with a final position of regional vice president in sales. She was heavily involved in community service in Chattanooga with time served on the boards of Hospice of Chattanooga and Chattanooga Room in the Inn (CRITI). Additionally, she started her own organization, "CiCi and Friends" to start an annual Secret Santa program for patients at Chattanooga Program in Womens Oncology. She was an avid golfer and member of Valleybrook Golf Club as well as longtime tennis player and member of the Racquet Club and Chattanooga Tennis Association.She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry White; mother, Charlene McClaren; stepfather, Norm McClaren; sisters, Terry Kuhn and Frances White; and brother, James White.She is survived by her son, Chris (Diana) Cihlar D.O.; sisters, Vickie( Kenny) Swaim, Lisa (Michael) Weathers and Tammy Weinsheim; several cousins, nieces and nephews.A Celebration of Life will be held at Stratton Hall this from 2-5 p.m. today.She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416, or to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, www. Ovarian.org.Arrangements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343, 423-698-2541.