For those who walk alongside the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg, longevity is not simply recognized, it is celebrated as a sign of deep roots, enduring relationships, and steadfast service. For the coworkers who serve alongside the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg, dedication often spans decades. Cindy Lamppert embodies that spirit. For over 50 years, she has faithfully served in the kitchen, and today, as Food Service Manager, she continues to set the standard for commitment, care, and quiet leadership.
Cindy’s journey began as a high school student, working evenings after school in the convent kitchen alongside her sister Casey, who would also dedicate 50 years of service. In those early days, the kitchen looked much different. Meals were prepared in two separate spaces, one in the infirmary (now the activity room) and one downstairs. Staff were required to wear skirts, and their pay came in cash, accompanied by a handwritten note detailing taxes deducted. It was a different time, but what has never changed is the heart behind the work.
Cindy fondly remembers working closely with Sister Mary Claire, Sister Irene, and many others. In the mornings, Sisters would gather in the dining room to peel vegetables and roll silverware, sharing stories as they prepared for the day’s meals. Those simple moments, sitting together, learning their stories, listening to memories of childhoods during the Depression and even tales of lard sandwiches or butter-and-radish sandwiches, became cherished memories for Cindy.
In 1985, the kitchen expanded, and operations moved into one central space. Over the years, the team grew from just three staff members and the Sisters to a bustling department of more than twenty-four. Through it all, Cindy has cherished the closeness of her coworkers, the welcoming spirit of the Sisters, and even the short commute from her lifelong home in Oldenburg. She remembers Sister Robert visiting her family garden to pick tomatoes and spending time with her loved ones. Picnics with Sister Mary Claire and Sister Irene blended work and friendship into something that felt like family.
Cooking has always been part of Cindy’s heart. The love of food began in her childhood kitchen, inspired by her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother’s spice cake remains a beloved memory, though the recipe, sadly, has never been found. In earlier years, the convent kitchen purchased produce from Michaela Farm (now GreenAcres) and prepared everything from scratch. Today, while food sourcing has evolved, the pride in quality and care remains the same, and they are grateful for local resources like the Village Store.
Family is the center of Cindy’s world. She shares her home, the same house where she and her three sisters and brother were raised, with decades of memories. Her siblings still all live within two miles, with one sister next door in their grandmother’s home. Cindy is a proud aunt to 12 nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and nephews. When her mother was living, Sunday evenings meant family dinners for anyone who could gather, a tradition rooted in love.
At Christmastime, nearly 45 family members fill her home with laughter. The annual white elephant gift exchange has become legendary, featuring a well-worn taxidermy fox that reappears year after year, and one unforgettable year when a nephew included live mice in his gift, sending her sister-in-law quickly out of the room. The mice were then safely returned to their home.
Outside of work and family, Cindy treasures her friendships. She and her two close friends enjoy shopping trips, movie nights, girls’ weekends to places like Edinburg and Berea, and visits to historical shopping towns and ice cream shops. They hunt for treasures at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, antique stores, Jungle Jim’s, and love crafting together. Romantic comedies are a favorite pastime — especially While You Were Sleeping and Sleepless in Seattle. They often dine together at Maury’s Steakhouse in Cincinnati, sharing good food.
Her faith continues to guide her as well. Cindy volunteers at Holy Family Church and has considered dedicating time to Perpetual Adoration when she retires.
When reflecting on her life, one memory stands out vividly, a trip to Alaska with her mother. The beauty of the landscape left a lasting imprint on her heart. But even with such adventures, Cindy’s deepest joy has always been close to home.
As she looks toward retirement, Cindy speaks simply: she wants more time with family.
A life rooted in love, faith, family, and service, lived with humility and gentleness, is perhaps the clearest reflection of what it means to grow under the influence of the Sisters. For more than five decades, Cindy has not only prepared meals; she has nourished a community. And in doing so, she has built a legacy of devotion that will long be remembered.