Cyndy Lee Illies

It is with deep sadness that the family of Cyndy Lee Illies (née Watling) announces her passing after a brief illness on February 11, 2021, with her youngest daughter, Krista Lougheed, by her side. Born in Toronto on April 13, 1959, Cyndy spent the majority of her life in Markham, ON, where she raised her children and lived near to her siblings. Cyndy worked in many administrative roles throughout her career, though her favourite occupations were being Mum to her three girls and Nana to her adored grandson. Despite suffering many health setbacks in her later years, Cyndy's characteristic creativity, positivity, zest for life, and curiosity never abated, and she continued to cultivate and maintain meaningful friendships until the end of her life. In the last few years, Cyndy enjoyed participating in the Living Room program courtesy of Evergreen Cares Hospice, and she loved her weekly knitting group, as well as her time singing with The Village Voices choir. In recent years she became a member of St. Andrew's United Church in Markham, where she reignited her spiritual life in a progressive and welcoming environment, under the ministry of Rev. Katherine Selby, whom she greatly admired. Cyndy was predeceased by her cherished parents, Bernice and Eric Watling, and her beloved sister, Leslie (Frank). She will be deeply missed by her treasured daughters, Leah (Spencer), Jenna (Kevin), and Krista (Marc), as well as her darling grandson, Otis; her siblings Hugh (Dena), Lorie (Debra), Bill (Kim), Lisa (Glen), and her many precious nieces, nephews, godchildren, and extended family, whom she loved so dearly. Cyndy will be remembered and loved by her countless friends, including the vivacious Monday Night Ladies, her dear A.Y. Jackson friends, and especially Debbie Jones, her best friend of 56 years. Cyndy's daughters would like to express special love and gratitude to Hanan Araso, Cyndy's devoted personal support worker of three years, who quickly became family to her. Cyndy's family looks forward to a formal celebration of her life when it is safe to gather together again. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.