Remembering Cynthia Kordecki

Cynthia Gail Kordecki, 64, of Grand Forks, died February 21, 2014. Born May 2, 1949, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, she was  the daughter of Ferne (Clough) and Frank Kordecki.

She received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and theology from Marquette University in 1971, and a master’s in geography from UND in 1992. She worked for Anthropology Research at UND beginning in the 1980s, eventually advancing to Associate Research Archaeologist, and was a lifelong member of the North Dakota Archaeological Association. Cynthia also enjoyed her university teaching, specializing in courses on the geography of Canada and Winnipeg’s ethnic landscapes. Resolute and pragmatic, she walked surveys across the width and breadth of North Dakota, presented and wrote numerous scholarly project reports, published archaeological analyses, and even earned a pilot’s license. For years she edited the NDAA Newsletter. She was one of a kind, and loved her ‘stuff.’ Blessed with a dry sense of humor, she touched many in her time. She was tough, clever, and loyal to work, friends, and family.

She is survived and beloved by her brother Gregory Kordecki (and wife Christine), sisters Lesley Kordecki, Colette (and husband Gary) Palenski, nieces Kimberly Taube and Hilary Kordecki, nephews Michael Taube and Frank Kordecki, as well as many devoted friends.

No flowers please; contributions can be made to a fund being established in her memory at UND. A Celebration of Life will be held at Gorecki Alumni Center, Grand Forks, March 22, 5 – 9 p.m. All are encouraged to visit and sign the guest book on the Amundson Funeral Home website. A memorial video is available at https://sites.google.com/site/cynthiakordecki/.