Obituary of Cynthia Sawyer - Kozel

Cynthia “Cindy” Sawyer – Kozel, beloved wife and stepmother age 72 of Rexford, NY, was called to join our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday June 7, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Peck) and Lawrence Sawyer born February 8, 1949 in Gloversville, NY. She was a graduate of Gloversville High School.

As a naturally gifted musician Cindy attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where she excelled at piano, violin and singing. She went on to teach music in schools at Gloversville, Duanesburg and finally settled and retired at Ballston Spa Central School, where she was known for her creative and playful methods of instructing children. She was skilled at organizing recitals and plays in schools and with senior groups with considerable energy and enthusiasm.

Cindy held many interests including reading, art, travel, collecting antiques, gardening and nature. Cindy and her husband Bill were especially passionate about animals and adopted multiple rescue bunnies over the past 20 years. All of which lived as free roaming companion house rabbits. In her retirement she volunteered and shared her vast knowledge of rabbit care with animal shelters and other bunny owners. She was uniquely talented, creative, imaginative and thoughtful. An excellent communicator, she enjoyed writing cards and sending encouragement to others.

In Cindy’s healthier years, she loved sharing an adventurous lifestyle with Bill and her stepdaughter Allison. She hiked, camped, canoed and even rafted the white water of the Hudson. She made several rugged 5-mile tailless treks to Bill’s secluded deep woods hideaway. Devoted to Bill’s photography endeavors, she camped on a mountain tops to capture sunrise and sunset. She spent many hours reading and picking wild flowers while Bill compiled photographs for a book of all Vermont’s Covered bridges throughout all seasons. Cindy also accompanied Bill traveling by rail maintenance vehicle 600 miles into the Canadian Arctic to Churchill twice, Gaspe and several trips through Ontario.

Above all, Cindy carried a deep love for, and trusted in, Jesus Christ for salvation. She began her saved life at Perth Bible Church on Easter 1980. A story she often shared with joyful tears in her eyes. Cindy’s faith brought her to attend The Word of Life Bible Institute and further study at Dallas Theological Seminary. She continued to strengthen her unwavering love for Jesus and returned to Upstate New York, where she met and married her husband Bill, her one and only, in 1991. The couple joined Faith Baptist Church in Rexford, NY, where they have remained active members for nearly 30 years. Cindy played the organ and piano for services and was devoted to help guide their Missions Program. She took great personal joy in growing relationships and fulfilling the needs of the missionaries and the regions they served.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband, William “Bill” Kozel; Stepdaughter Allison Cascade Kozel of Saratoga Springs, NY; Stepson Peter Kozel of Colonie, NY; Sisters Linda (James) Zullo of Northville, NY and Diane “DeeDee” Sawyer of Auburn, NY;Brother-in-law, Vince (MaryLou) Kozel of Lake George, NY; Nieces Mary (Steve) Swart of Gloversville, NY and Debbie (Glen) Nelson of Albany, NY; Nephews Clayton (Dania) of Seattle, WA , Sam (Caylene) Zullo of Simsbury, CT. and Rich Kozel of Albany, NY and bunnies Grumpy the Rascal and Poofy Pants. She was pre-deceased by Nephew Vincent “VJ” Kozel. 

Services will be held on Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at Faith Baptist Church, 11 Glenridge Road, Rexford, NY 12148 followed by private burial 1:30 pm at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Cindy’s name can be made to: The City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street Schenectady NY, 12305. 

Cindy’s favorite hymn:

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You are all that my heart desire
And I long to worship You

You alone my strength my shield
To you alone that my spirit yield
You alone that my heart desire
And I long to worship You

You're my friend
And You are my brother
Giver and God You are the King
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything

You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone be my spirit yield
You alone that my heart desire
And I Iong to worship Thee...