Remembering Cindy Journey

Cindy Journey was the kind of person you never forget — and if you were lucky enough to work alongside her, you know just how much light she brought into the room, and into the hearts of those around her.

For over 26 years, Cindy was a steady hand and warm heart behind the scenes at La Rosa Landscape Company. But her story with us began even earlier. Long before she ever took on a formal role, Cindy was already part of the La Rosa family. She was close friends with our founder, Mike La Rosa — and her husband Jim was Mike’s best friend. Cindy even helped open our first office back in 1990. So when she officially joined the team in 1999, it felt like the most natural next step.

From day one, Cindy brought a quiet strength to La Rosa Landscape Company — the kind that kept everything running behind the scenes with grace and heart. As our administrative assistant, she wore a thousand hats: managing landscape maintenance, lawn applications, snow services, juggling schedules, solving problems, and building the systems that became the backbone of our operations. Cindy had an incredible knack for knowing our clients’ properties inside and out. Most of all, she was adept at building relationships with clients, vendors, and coworkers. She had a sharp mind for numbers and an incredible instinct for organization, but what truly set her apart was the way she cared for everyone around her. Cindy didn’t just keep us on track — she made the office feel like home. Her laughter lifted our spirits, her patience steadied us, and her friendship was a gift we’ll always treasure.

And if you knew Cindy, you knew her love for the Cubs. Spring not only marked the start of our busiest season — it meant Cubs baseball playing softly in the background as she worked, bringing a sense of rhythm and comfort to the office that felt just like her: calm, loyal, and always present.

For the past three years, Cindy faced ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — with the same quiet strength and determination she brought to everything in life. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually taking away muscle control while leaving the mind fully aware. There is no cure yet. But Cindy met every challenge with courage, grace, and resilience. On May 12th, her long and brave fight came to an end, but the impact she made on all of us will never fade. Learn more about Cindy from her obituary.

Snapshots of Cindy Over the Years

May is ALS Awareness Month

This year, it hits especially close to home.

In honor of our beloved Cindy, who bravely fought ALS for three years, we ask you to join us in carrying her legacy forward. Cindy was more than a colleague — she was family. Her warmth, strength, and kindness touched every corner of our lives.

Now, her children, friends, and loved ones carry the weight of that loss. We ask that you keep them in your prayers — and if you’re able, help turn grief into hope.

Donate to ALS research today. Every gift brings us one step closer to a cure, so that no other family has to say goodbye too soon.