Cynthia Louise Quinlan (Whalen, Spiese), 79, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on May 29, 2026, at Essentia Health.

Cindy was born on December 10, 1946, in Rugby, North Dakota, to Harry and Lois (Romsos) Whalen. She graduated from LaMoure High School in 1964.

Cindy was married twice. In 1966, she married Walt Spiese, and together they were blessed with three children whom she adored. In 1990, she married Robert Quinlan, with whom she shared a love of dancing and life on the farm.

She later pursued business courses and built a diverse career, working as a telephone operator, secretary, and nursing home cook—roles she approached with dedication and pride.

Cindy had a deep love for music, dancing, and having fun. Her enthusiasm for the arts was infectious, and she passed that passion on to her children and grandchildren. She was rarely without a song—often singing along to the Beatles in the car—and enjoyed participating in LaMoure County Summer Musical Theater productions. She fondly recalled bringing down the house as Mama Rose in Gypsy and relished playing the dramatic Fruma-Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof.

Creativity was a constant in Cindy’s life. She enjoyed cross-stitch, crochet, and other crafts, often spending countless hours preparing handmade gifts for each new grandchild. In her younger years, she was also active and spirited—serving as a high school cheerleader, excelling at bowling, and roller skating throughout town.

Cindy is survived by her brother, Michael (Judy) Whalen; her sister, Bonita Miller; her children, Michael (Suzanne) Spiese, Chris Spiese, and Kari (Eric) Natvig; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Quinlan; her sister, Candice Bean; and her brother, Jeffrey Whalen.

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior.

Sing me a song of a lass that is gone

Say, could that lass be I?

Merry of soul, she sailed on a day

Over the sea to Skye.