Obituary of Cynthia Mary-Lynn DeSantis

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Cynthia Mary-Lynn DeSantis on August 30, 2022.

Cynthia was born July 10, 1963 at Brampton Civic Hospital to her parents Christina (nee Davenport) and Ricardo DeSantis. She was raised in Lavigne, Ontario at the family campground with her three siblings: Anthony (Linda), Gloria (Joe) and Steve (Angie). This is where her love of the outdoors and connection to Northern Ontario began. She truly was a northern girl who loved fishing and spending time in nature. She went to school at La Visitation in Lavigne, then middle school at Ste Marguerite d'Youville in Verner and then Northern Secondary School, where she excelled at Track and Field and Softball.

After high school, Cynthia began studies at McMaster University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in French. She then attended Nipissing University for Teachers College. Shortly after graduation, Cynthia began her teaching career at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, teaching at Peace Memorial and Norwood Park. She taught many grades throughout her career, but she enjoyed Grade 1 French Immersion the most. She was loved and cherished by many of her colleagues and students, some of whom even pursued teaching themselves because of her. After 25+ years impacting the lives of thousands of students, Cynthia retired from her teaching career in 2018 due to health issues.

Throughout her career, Cynthia was supported by her husband, Randy, who she met through a mutual friend in 1985. They were married on December 19, 1992. Four years later, in 1996, Cynthia gave birth to their beloved son, Brett. Anyone who knows Cynthia knows that Brett was the light in her life. From chasing him around the cottage at a young age, to following him to every rink in Ontario and getting lost along the way, she was always his biggest supporter. She welcomed all his friends with an open heart and treated them like they were one of her own.

Besides being a loving mother to Brett, Cynthia was like a mom to her six nieces and nephews: Ali, Stefan, Aidan, Ryan, Natalie and Nick. She was the aunt who encouraged their rowdiness and often joined in on their crazy games. She would be the first one out with a fillet knife even in the middle of blackfly season and chase away dock spiders. She would always be the one to laugh and bring everyone together. She was honest to a fault and wasn’t scared of telling it like it is. She was the aunt who brought the life to the party and always showed up for her family.

Cynthia was a strong woman, always full of life and energy. She was the happiest when her feet and hands were in her gardens. Her garden at home in Vineland was truly a work of art, and she was always happy to share her newest additions to the garden with anyone who would listen. Cynthia loved travelling and was always up for a good adventure. She and Randy have visited many places in Canada and around the world. She also loved her girls’ trips with her mom and sister-in-law, Angie. You could always find Cynthia with her feet up on the deck and a good book in her hand. It didn’t even have to be a good one, she just loved to read.

Cynthia courageously battled Crohn’s Disease since the age of 25. Complications with Crohn’s and a medical system that could not help also led her to struggle with mental health issues. Cynthia’s strength and support from family kept her positive during these times. Even through these challenges, Cynthia would go out of her way to make somebody else smile and brighten their day. We will miss her dearly.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at Tallman Funeral Home (3277 King St, Vineland) on Saturday, September 3rd from 2-6pm. For those wishing to share memories of Cynthia, a time of sharing will occur at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Crohn’s research would be much appreciated.