A ‘never-to-be-forgotten’ phone call on a wild December night gave us the unthinkable news that Cynthia had died whilst undertaking a walk in one of her favourite places; Tarn Hows in the Lake District.

Cynthia was born in Grimsby and joined the Methodist family at Weelsby Road in her teenage years through a school friend. It was there, in the Youth Group, that she met Stephen and where together they began their own family life. David and Helen were born and Cynthia was very active in the Church, so much so, that when they arrived at Fulwood in 1986 she said that she was going to take a backseat and have a rest! We all know what that meant!

A new weeks ago at ‘After Eights’ we had an evening of memories of Cynthia. That was a very special time, when many people shared of how the had worked with Cynthia in so many aspects of Church life – crèche, door stewarding, house group, catering, walking, her hilarious financial reports as Treasurer of ‘After Eights’ and her great caring and support as our President. We remembered her willingness to participate and lay herself open to jest, her determination to master things; it was great to see her playing the guitar in the band – a skill she had worked at for some time. We gave testimony to her cheerfulness and caring disposition. We all went home with our homework – to knit up Cynthia’s wool into squares for blankets for Malawi – a country dear to Cynthia.

When I was asked to write this piece in Cynthia’s memory, I felt very much that, although as a family we shared much with Cynthia and miss her greatly, there were many others who share that loss and so I asked others to help me with this tribute. The following were written in response to that request and I thank you for your thoughts.

From a pupil Cynthia helped in her professional capacity, as a special needs teacher:

"Cynthia – thank you for being so kind to me. We shared so many laughs".

From a member of ‘After Eights’

C - Cheerful

Y - Young at heart

N - Nice (in the nicest possible way!)

T - Thoughtful

H - (full of) Heart

I - Intelligent

A - Approachable

From friends:

From a family:

A precious jewel "They shall be mine when I make up my jewels"

Malachi 3 v 17

The master jeweller sat in his workshop polishing the jewel in his hands until it shone. All who saw the jewel marvelled as it was turned to the light and each facet was revealed in its beauty. Cynthia, in the hands of the Master, had so many God-given facets and as each was turned within His light, the beauty was there for all to see.

There was warmth to Cynthia’s character, her welcoming smile and her interest in others was such a help in times of joy or concern. Cynthia had a lovely sense of humour. She was such good company, spontaneous and living life to the full. She was never wasteful, either with her time or her resources. She was so reliable. If she said she would do something, she would do it and more! Cynthia’s wonderful creativity was shown through music, cooking, drama, knitting and sewing. She blessed others with her many gifts.

Cynthia was quick to involve others; she made everyone feel special, listening in such detail and taking a genuine and sincere interest. She lived out her faith through her work with children and through her whole life. She understood other people; she was so sensitive to other’s needs. Cynthia took the side of the oppressed and stood alongside them. She was so energetic and active, showing an immense capability to doing several jobs at once. Cynthia had such a good perspective on life.

She touched our lives in so many ways and in our memories, her warmth, her sense of humour, her creativity, her interest and her energy live on.

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It has been an impossible task to write this and make sure that I have done justice to our friend Cynthia. I would ask that you would spend a moment to thank God for the privilege of knowing her and share your own special memory of her with Him, and to ask for His continuing support for Stephen, Helen, David and their families.