Cynthia Eileen Dix Powell

Our loving and amazing Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend, Cynthia Eileen Dix Powell, returned to her Father in Heaven and countless loved ones on Monday, August 19, 2024, due to complications of a long illness.

Cindy was born on February 11, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah to her beloved parents, Ralph Waldo and Violet Sandison Murray Dix. She was raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had an idyllic childhood on Sherman Avenue in Salt Lake City. Her most cherished memories were of those days in her home with her parents and sister, Mary Kathleen Dix Olson, and there were usually many extended family members there as well. Their home was a welcoming gathering place for all. She spent much time at her Grandmother’s home in Cedar City, Utah, with cherished Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who were her best friends. She often shared stories of wading in the creek, making family recipes which she incorporated into her family’s daily lives, and she attended every family reunion. She loved her family above anything else in the world. She marveled at the memories her parents shared with her of their lives and ancestors, and she had a life-long love for the UK, especially Scotland and Wales due to those memories and stories. She would recount them effortlessly to anyone who was interested. She was an amazing family historian, a descendent of strong, resilient people who came to the United States in the late 19th Century and she cherished that legacy. She was blessed to be able to fulfill a life-long dream of visiting the UK, and traveled around London and Scotland to see many family sites she had long heard stories of with her daughter, Kristen Soderberg Peko in 2022. It was a treasure for both of them and a journey that felt guided by those who came before.

She graduated from East High School, where she participated in Pep Club and A ‘Capella, and had many fond memories of those times and the friendships made while there. She was a loyal Leopard fan until the end. She would often share fond memories of that time, and had connected with her A ‘Capella group in later years at reunions. She had many life-long friendships, and those friends have become family to her and her children. In 1970 she married Jon Schissler, who had attended East High with her, later divorced.
Cindy felt called to be a Nurse when she was young, after an experience she had in the hospital having had a broken arm. She went on to attend the University of Utah College of Nursing, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. She worked in various Pediatric Nursing positions, most notably at Primary Children’s Hospital and the University of Utah. She retired from her career in 2015, with her most recent position being Nurse Manager of the Student Health Clinic. She made countless friends with colleagues and kept track of many of them for years after moving on from these positions. She was an amazing friend who was genuinely interested in your life and that of your family.

She married Thomas Evans Soderberg, in 1974, with whom she had two children, Kristen and Kara, later divorced. Kristen and Kara (Soderberg Salisbury) have been her pride and joy, along with her grandchildren, Liliana Eileen Kiane Peko, Mia Rebecca Salisbury, Eve Elizabeth Salisbury, and Jaedyn Thomas Peko. She was there for every event, every problem, every joyous occasion and every sad one. Her children and grandchildren knew she loved them and would do anything for them, and she leaves a legacy of love and care for them to follow throughout their lives. She taught them to love their family, cherish and nurture relationships, work hard, read often and follow current events, and to be involved in community and church. She was a dedicated member of the Junior League, and proudly helped organize many events including the 1984 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships which she recalled fondly.

Cindy found a special way to bond with each grandchild, and she was one of their best friends. She cherished getting her nails done with Liliana and watching her play soccer, watching Jaedyn play football and experiencing his hugs, watching Mia and Eve dance, gardening with Mia, baking and telling stories of ancestors with Eve, and just spending any time should could with all of them. She found family events important to maintain relationships and went to support not only her children but her nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and all of their children and grandchildren. She was amazing, and everyone around could feel her love, as evidenced in the many comments and anecdotes that have been shared with her family since her passing. Cindy was a force of nature, who was not afraid to be exactly who she was. She was elegant, smart, kind, honest, and expected the same from those she loved.

Cindy is survived by her sister, Mary Kathleen Dix Olson (Thomas R.) and their children and grandchildren, her children Kristen Soderberg Peko (Jason) and Kara Salisbury (Joe) and grandchildren, Liliana, Mia, Eve and Jaedyn, and so many others who will all miss her presence in their lives.

Services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, viewing from 10:00 to 11:40 a.m., program beginning at 12:00 p.m., at the Yalecrest Ward, 1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Internment at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. A virtual option will be available for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers please donate to the South Main Clinic c/o University of Utah Department of Pediatrics in honor of Cindy Powell, BSN.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84952956777