About Ilene: Ilene M. Cynova died July 13, 2012, at the age of 63, and is now resting in the peaceful presence of Jesus awaiting the resurrection. Since the sudden onset of brain cancer in July, 2010, she remained with a positive attitude clinging to the hope that whatever happened was God's plan for her life, knowing it was far better than anything this side of heaven.

Ilene was born in Detroit, Michigan February 9, 1949 to Christian parents, Norman and Gertrude Milz. She was brought into God's Kingdom of Grace through Baptism on March 6, 1949 and then confirmed her baptismal faith on April 15, 1962. Ilene grew up attending St. John's Lutheran grade school; Lutheran High School West; Concordia Lutheran College, Ann Arbor Michigan; and graduated from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebraska in May 1970 when she earned a her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and the Lutheran Teacher's Diploma.

Ilene was married to Gregory Cynova in July, 1970 moved to Hobart, Indiana. (where Greg was already an active Lutheran school teacher) and began her teaching career at Gary Lutheran School. Before their children, Lisa and Timothy, were born she also worked for several years in the Lake County Library System as Children's Librarian.

In 1977, compelled by God's calling, the family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana for Greg to complete his seminary studies for his pastoral career. That completed, the family moved to Evansville, Indiana where Greg was ordained, installed and remained pastor at Our Saviour Lutheran Church for over 15 years.

Feeling a Christian education was important for the children, Ilene started the Sunday School at Our Saviour. She was also the Preschool and Kindergarten Director at Peace Lutheran Church in Owensboro, KY. where she worked with over 200 students and a staff of 10 teachers and assistants. During this same time, Ilene became very involved, and held offices, in the church, city and state Lutheran Women's Missionary League.

In 1994, God called Greg to be pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, the family moved again, where Greg still remains as pastor.

During these years, Ilene also entered what she called her "dental world" by working for nearly 20 years as a Business Assistant both in Evansville and in Fort Wayne. She remained actively working and enjoying the dental community until her health suddenly changed in July, 2010.

Of all her activities and employments, God allowing her to be a wife, mother and pastor's wife were her most enjoyable.