Lucinda Ann “Cindy” Pfalzer, aged 67, from Fenton, passed away on Dec. 6, 2025. Her cremation is complete, and memorial services will be announced soon. Donations can be made to any charity in Cindy’s name.
Born Dec. 7, 1957, in Batavia, New York, Cindy was the daughter of Richard H. and Rita M. (Wagner) Pfalzer. She graduated from Alexander High School in 1975, earned a B.S. from Ithaca College in 1979, and later obtained her M.A. and Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1984 and 1989.
Cindy joined UM-Flint as an assistant professor in 1986, advancing to associate professor in 1992, and full professor in 1998. She completed an oncology clinical research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in 2001, before retiring on Dec. 31, 2013.
Cindy was a renowned scholar in physical therapy, particularly in breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, oncology, and upper quadrant overuse injuries. She successfully secured numerous research grants and was published in leading peer-reviewed journals.
From 2001 to 2013, she was an associate investigator on a study identifying factors affecting morbidity post-breast cancer treatment. Her research significantly influenced oncology rehabilitation healthcare reforms.
She held several leadership roles, including associate director for research and post-professional education (1994-2012), director of the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (2009-12), and interim director of the Department of Physical Therapy (2012-13).
Cindy was an exceptional teacher, pivotal in launching the first doctoral physical therapy program at the Flint campus in 2013. As a fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), she co-founded the APTA Oncology Section and served as its president. The Board of Regents honored her as professor emerita of physical therapy.
She is survived by her mother, Rita Greco of Port Orchard, Washington; siblings Nicolette (Jim) Linneman of Maryville, Tennessee, Deborah (Barry) Newman of Houston, Henry Pfalzer of Pipe Creek, Texas, and Cris (Larry) Taylor of Hadlock, Washington; along with several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Her father, Richard H. Pfalzer, preceded her in death. Tributes can be shared at sharpfuneralhomes.com.
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