Cindy Stansbury

There are few people in this world who are able to transcend generations, cultures, and connect on a genuine level with anyone in their path. Cindy Stansbury was one of those people. She was a person who made your life infinitely better by knowing her and she was a guiding light for her communities. Her commitment to enhancing the lives around her was palpable and she has and will continue to change the lives of those that knew her. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on November 16, 2017. Cynthia Louise Stansbury was born on a bright sunny day in East Los Angeles to Rudy and Helen De Leon in May of 1947. Raised in Central LA, the De Leons moved to their beloved Belson Street home where they lived the typical 1950s/60s family American Dream. The family moved to Lomita, blocks away from Narbonne High School where Cindy became a proud Gaucho wearing the green and gold! She participated in GAA and was the editor of the school paper. Upon graduating from Narbonne, she continued her education at LA Harbor college and eventually graduated from Long Beach State with a BA in Recreation. She immediately went to work for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation where, thanks to her dynamic personality and work ethic, climbed the ladder quickly becoming the Park Director at Dominguez Park in 1970. It was during her time as a recreation leader at Carson Park where she met a colleague, Bill Stansbury that would later become her partner for life. They were married on September 12, 1970. Shortly after, Cindy became the park director at Del Aire Park in Hawthorne. She took a "hard on its luck public park" and turned it into a thriving hub of the local community. She started a girls softball program, adult softball, a pre-school, and an outstanding boys and girls basketball league. Her "Dime a Dip" potluck fundraiser was a yearly community event that drew hundreds. In 1976 Cindy gave birth to her daughter Felicia and later that year the family re-located to their treasured home in Playa del Rey, a home that was not only the hub of neighborhood gatherings, garage sales and epic deck parties with a view, but a home that was always filled with fun, friends, and love. Brandi and Charlie were born later and the years at the house in Playa del Rey were always highlighted by family bike rides and walks on the nearby beach, and to watch the sunset. Cindy thoroughly enjoyed exercise and for years enjoyed running with her friends in LA area marathons and 10ks. She was a park director at Westchester Park where she not only mentored a slew of young camp counselors, but was a mother figure to so many children who came through the park's numerous programs. In 1990 it was off to Paso Robles and a new life for Cindy. She immediately connected with the community. She joined the AAUW (American Association of University Women), was on the board for many years and worked hard with the organization to raise money to provide educational opportunities and equity for women and girls through research and support of fellowship and grants programs. She had her mother's talent for sewing, was an accomplished quilter and joined the Paso Robles Quilt Guild. For many years she worked for Paso Robles Schools and spent 15 of those years as the campus supervisor at Lewis Middle School where she established lifelong friendships with coworkers and students. She was a huge light at Lewis and was an inspiration to many there. She was the quintessential coach's wife (Bill was the longtime head football coach at Beverly Hills High School and Paso Robles High School), always organizing dinners and pool parties for teams, driving to games, and being an incredible cheer section. Cindy enjoyed vacationing with the family above all else. They camped all over the western USA, loved nature, and adventure. Upon retirement, Cindy and Bill took their kayak around the continent enjoying epic adventures in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Canada. Last year the two spent two weeks on a wonderful adventure in Alaska. Cindy was an incredible, special person in so many ways. She was a great mom, a wonderful wife, and a friend to all. She was the perfect blend of her parents. She possessed her mother's kindness and artistic talent and her father's magnetic, and engaging personality. She was the greatest natural born conversationalist and made friends wherever she went. She was a social being, a pillar of her community, a family matriarch, a voice for the underserved, and above all, someone who lived by the motto, "you make your own fun" and would encourage us all to do the same. Cindy is survived by husband of forty-seven years, Bill; daughters: Felicia Stansbury (Hector Sandoval) and Brandi Moody (Doug); son, Charlie Stansbury (Zola); brothers: Rudy De Leon and Steve De Leon; sister, Regina De Leon; in-laws: Mary Stansbury, Dan and Marj Stansbury, Melinda Stansbury; as well as wonderful nieces, nephews and amazing cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 9, 2017, at the California Mid-State Fairgrounds. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Paso Robles AAUW scholarship fund - AAUW P.O. Box 1502 Paso Robles, CA 93447 Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries