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Cynthia Goodhue Obituary

Cynthia Joan Goodhue (nee Anderson) of Wellesley, MA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 3, 2018. Cindy is survived by her daughters, Nobska Grace Goodhue (22) and Sierra Anne Goodhue (20) of Wellesley, their father James A. Goodhue, her mother Beverly Hait Anderson, her step-father Dr. William Eckberg, and her two sisters Leighsa Makowicz and Amy Curran. She will also be missed by her much loved dog, Lola, and cat, Silver (Pooter). Cindy was born on July 28, 1960 in Royal Oak, Michigan. She spent her summers going to The Cabin in Jose Lake in northern Michigan with her beloved grandmother, Doris Grace Hait, who passed away in 2015. She later moved with her family to Alexandria, VA and started spending the summer on Cape Cod, where she would continue to summer for 41 years. She developed a passion for science, art, and nature in Woods Hole that would fuel her for the rest of her life. She received her BFA from Tufts University in conjunction with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. At the time of her death, she was working on a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Massachusetts. s an artist, Cindy worked in watercolor, charcoal, and painting. She showed her work in Chicago and New York, and had a studio in the attic of the Goodhue house in Wellesley. Her life partner of over 30 years, Jim, had a woodshop in the basement and made all the frames for her work, allowing their creative lives to merge and flourish. She debunked suburban tradition and painted a rainbow on the garage door in honor of her daughters birthday; the family home became known as Rainbow. Cindy taught in the Wellesley Public Schools as a preferred substitute teacher beginning in 2009. She loved art and she loved her students, and the kids loved her back. With a passion for gardening, she volunteered for Beautification Committee at the Hardy School. She taught Visual Arts, Health & Fitness in Wellesley Middle School and the Wellesley elementary schools, most recently Fiske. She was loved in the schools and in the neighborhood. For Halloween, she dressed up as Mary Poppins every year and walked the girls to Hardy School. At night, she would have an outfit change and become The Bride of Frankenstein and (gently) scare the neighborhood children while passing out candy. In addition to art, Cindys other passions were athletics and the outdoors. An avid hiker and cyclist, she would often find herself in neighboring states after biking all day. She taught her daughters to ski at a very young age and they skied their whole lives as a family. The girls raced on teams at the Franconia Ski Club and Wellesley High School. Her childhood dream was to be a Ski Instructor and she took on that challenge with passion. She knew that the hardest kids to teach were the youngest, but it was they who would develop the most enthusiasm for the sport under her tutelage. Cindy attained her PSIA Alpine & Childrens Specialist Certification and was a lead teacher for seasonal alpine skiing program, including special needs children at Cannon Mountain. Cannon was an incredibly special place to Cindy, and her fellow instructors became her lifelong friends. Nothing was more important to Cynthia than her children, named after the seaside and the mountains, Cindys favorites places on earth. Nobska, named for the Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole, MA, and Sierra, named for the Sierra Madres, were her self proclaimed spiritual geographies; the landmarks that governed her soul and sense of self. Both graduates of Wellesley High School (Classes of 2014 and 2016), Nobska will graduate from St. Lawrence University on May 20, 2018 and Sierra just completed her sophomore year at Loyola University of Maryland. Cindy had an expansive bucket list, but so much of that she accomplished. She dreamed of being a ski instructor and was; she dreamed of showing her art in galleries and she did. She wanted a red convertible, and her husband Jim gifted her a little red convertible for her 33rd birthday: big bow and all. She never made it to see the David in Florence, but that is something that her children will see for her. Cindy was passionate, confident, beautiful, comfortable with herself, and a self-described free-spirit. A funeral service will be held at the Wellesley Congregational Church (The Village Church) at 2 Central Street, Wellesley on Friday May 11th at 10:00 am. All are welcome for a celebration of Cynthias life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Epilepsy Foundation (https://www. epilepsy.com/make-difference/ways-give/donate-clothing-and-household-goods/ how-donate) or the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (https: //fanconi.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Wellesley Townsman from May 8 to May 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Goodhue

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Stephanie Mallick

May 2, 2024

Cynthia. I came back to Cannon Mountain as an instructor 10 years later as the Polar Bear Queen in your memory and your enthusiasm.

Cathy Weiss

October 15, 2022

I miss my cycling bestie and bluebird day skiing partner.

Kristen Borzumato

April 29, 2019

We knew Cynthia from Cannon Mountain. She taught our daughter Hannah to ski and we just loved her! She was so enthusiastic and full of energy and passion for her job. I didn't know much about her personal life until reading this obituary, but what an interesting life she led. Our condolences go out to her loved ones.

November 4, 2018

We, the Cannon Family, parents and grandparents of the incredibly lucky toddlers Miss Cynthia taight will forever be thankful for Miss Cynthia. Our children learned so much in their year of Polar Bears with her...and WE learned as well! Within 3 weeks our babies grew into little skiers who, 1. Zipped their own jackets, 2. Carried their own skis and most impressively, 3. Were flying down Garies, always in control, by the end of the season!! God Bless Miss Cynthia. Please know that you are in our hearts and on our skiis. We will miss you!
Jean Cornell

Ruth Ward

May 27, 2018

My dear Cindy, what can I say? We licked ice cream together, threw our caps in the air together. You were my maid of honor, and I was yours. We were so different, yet so much the same. We shared so much, and yet shared so little. Life felt so long, and yet was too short. We understood each other so much, and yet sometimes did not, and now none of that matters. Now you are so far, and I hold you so close. You were my rock, now I wish for a single grain of sand in Woods Hole, a glint of sun on the water in Alexandria, and the sea-smoothed pebbles near Nobska lighthouse, the smell of the best lobster and New England coffee in thick white mugs, thick humid air that makes roses and sweet pea bloom, and our thick hair we could hardly brush, thick friendship no one can touch, these memories belonged solely to us, but now is the time to share them to others. I look forward to helping you live in the hearts of those who wanted to know, if they should ask me, and be your light, if they would want me there. Always your best friend, Ruth

Terri Bomee

May 9, 2018

Cynthia was a remarkable human being. I was lucky to know her back in the Hardy School days. She was truly a gifted artist and lover of nature. Her work on the Beautification Committee was much appreciated (and still is) by all!! She was special and her light will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to all those who were close to her. Our loss on Earth is surely Heaven's gain.

Daniela Spigai

May 9, 2018

Amy I am so sad to hear and read this. I remember how much you looked up to your sister. Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. Daniela Spigai.

Jennifer Griffin

May 9, 2018

Dear Amy,Paul,Jane,Michael and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May she find peaceful rest. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark, Jenn and Bryce Griffin

FTD® Eternal Affection™ Arrangement

Tom Sampson

Sent Flowers

Alison Simcox

May 9, 2018

I was heartbroken to hear that Cynthia is no longer with us. She was my friend for only a few years, but I considered her a dear friend. I'm not surprised to learn from her obituary how accomplished she was.
I can confirm that she was a terrific bike rider. We cycled 100s of miles together and I was looking forward to doing more ... plus the socials afterward!
I extend my deepest sympathies to Cynthia's daughters, Jim (who I also met on the P2P) and other family and friends.
Alison Simcox

Nicole and Gerry Boston

May 9, 2018

Amy and family - we are so saddened and shocked to see this news about your sister. I do hope that when my day comes, I will have as beautiful an obituary. Not only is it beautifully written, but it captures an amazing life. I see that in you too, Amy! Much love to all of you. Love and hugs.

rich & linda hait

May 9, 2018

hi to all, We all know just how short life is. Rich and I do wish we could be their with you. Cindy was always fun we remember her and Holly doing their birthday on the Cape with a watermelon. Rich was just saying about the girls and teaching them to water ski up north in Michigan, it was fun watching them all grow up, Cindy had a smile that just lit up the room. Love you all and hope to see you here in Fl.

Michele Bunker

May 9, 2018

Cynthia was a warm beautiful women who always made me smile. Shes was a fabulous athlete who was passionate at all her endeavors. She will be missed by her Cannon Mountain family.

jill callahan

May 9, 2018

Cynthia and I talked about art and life I always loved her honesty and authenticity. I taught both her beautiful girls. I always enjoyed being with her. Much love to Sierra and Nobska. -Jill Callahan

Helen McCarthy

May 9, 2018

I was fortunate enough to share in Cynthia's greatest joy (and Jim's) the upbringing of her two magnificent girls. Cynthia was positive, happy and driven. Nothing could keep her from what she strived. RIP girl, you will certainly be missed by many....Love, Helen

Don and Debby Stanuch

May 9, 2018

Jim, Nobska and Sierra...Don and I were so sorry to hear of Cynthia's death. She was a beautiful, talented woman who lead an amazing life and raised two beautiful and talented daughters who are a tribute to their parents. You are all in our hearts and prayers. May you find comfort and Peace in your memories.

Julia Miwa

May 9, 2018

Sierra, Nobska, and Jim, we are so sorry for your loss. I got to know Cynthia a bit when Elise and Sierra were in daycare together, and she was the kind of person who was always so warm and friendly to everyone she had ever met. One thing that I have always remembered is when we went to Sierra's 5th birthday party and near the end of the party Cynthia had a time set aside for the parents to go in the bounce house. She was always so full of fun.

Stephanie Mallick

May 8, 2018

Cynthia was a mentor to me when I taught young children skiing at Cannon Mountain. She used to begin the beginner skiers with a somersault in the snow before they even put their skis on.

She taught me to think like a child. To be in never-never land with them. I will always remember the get ready tree that she designated for beginners to remember to prepare for dismounting the chairlift.

I taught side by side with her during the Massachusetts week when it was all instructors on deck for the February school break. I taught with her and one of her daughters. I was a better person for it. She was extremely gifted with children.

I will also never forget her long flowing hair. It was long and gorgeous! I remember she used to tell me she would like to maybe retire in Franconia. And she did, because she will always live here in our hearts at Cannon Mountain

Steve Monsein

May 8, 2018

A warm and caring individual that was always ready to help. We took our Level I PSIA certification together and inspired each other in completing the required tasks. I feel most fortunate to have known Cynthia and to have worked together with her teaching skiing at Cannon Mt.

Elaine Stewart

May 8, 2018

I was an old neighbor of Cindy's back in the 60s . I recently became Facebook friends with her mom Beverly. I never did find her on Facebook but I would have loved to catch up on our lives. I just finished Reading her Legacy above, Wow I could see she was a very driven women, very artistic and loved life. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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Wellesley Congregational Church (The Village Church)

2 Central Street, MA

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