Christel Maria Cwynar, 73 of Lexington Park, MD formerly of Berlin, Germany, died November 27, 2009 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, due to complications related to a stroke. Born September 13, 1936 in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Erich and Charlotte Ball Vogel.

Christel is survived by loving husband Stanley Cwynar of Lexington Park, MD.

She is also survived by her son William and his wife Derly Miller of Great Mills, MD; her stepson Thomas Cwynar of Newmarket, NH; grandsons Brett and Lance Miller of Great Mills, MD, and Daniel Cwynar of Newmarket, NH; her sister Lesalotta Bolte and her sister-in-law Eisella Vogel both of Berlin, Germany.

She was preceded in death by her brother Walter Vogel.

Her marriage to William Miller ended in divorce. Christel attended high school in Berlin, Germany and worked at various jobs after coming to the United States in 1958.

Her last place of employment was Dyncorp, where she worked as a technical librarian. Prior to a major stroke in 2003, she enjoyed sewing, cooking and playing computer games with her grandchildren. While a resident of St. Mary's Nursing Center, she enjoyed reading, watching television (especially the SciFi channel) and participating in the center's various activities. She continued to be as independent as possible and always retained her sense of humor.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009, from 9:00AM-11:00AM at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a memorial service will be held at 11:00AM with Rev. Dale Skurla officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Mary's Nursing Center's Activities Department, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.