Cindy M. Karvelas

Our loving mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Cindy was born a natural caretaker. She found deep joy in caring for others and had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Her thoughtful advice, open heart, and gentle, nonjudgmental nature made her a steady source of comfort and strength to so many. Whether she was standing by your side, lending a hand, or simply listening with kindness, Cindy always seemed to know exactly what you needed-often without saying a word. To be in her presence was to feel valued and deeply loved.

Cindy raised her sons, Pat and Matt, with unwavering love and patience, teaching them the importance of understanding and managing emotions through every stage of life. Strong, independent, kind, and stoic, she was a true role model-and the person her sons could always depend on.

In addition to being a nurturing mother, she graduated from the New Jersey State College and received her Master's degree in Art Therapy at Rutgers University in 1988. She was employed by the Eden Institute for Autism, teaching children. Cindy was also employed by the Woodbridge Development Center for Challenged Individuals. She was employed for 25 years with The New Jersey State Department of Human Development. Part of her Job was working one on one with homebound and disabled individuals. Cindy made a difference in many people's lives.

Cindy loved the simple things in life -tending her own garden (while defending it from deer) and visiting gardens throughout the tri-state area. Cindy had the gift of excellence in all types of crafts, including intricate needlepoint pieces and photo albums filled with cherished memories of loved ones.

She treasured adventures with family and friends-especially vacations with her lifelong friends, Kerry Daw, Bonnie Fallon, Debbi Schwacke, and Margaret Polizzi. Family trips to the Jersey Shore were a beloved tradition-Cindy with her feet in the sand, wind in her hair, and a bag of Swedish Fish by her side. Cindy's love of connection extended across the ocean. She valued her travels to Germany to visit her beloved family, communicating with her German language skills, which was an exciting venture for her. She adored the holidays, always arriving with games, crafts, and thoughtful gifts for her nieces and nephews. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family.

Her marriage to Keith Whelan was an important chapter in her life-one filled with love, adventure, and growth. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared many happy years raising their children and celebrating life's milestones.

In her retirement years, Cindy found joy in the quiet moments- redecorating her home, crafting, watching Jeopardy!, and taking movie and show recommendations from her two boys, Matt and Pat.

Cindy's life was filled with care, creativity, laughter, and love. To be in her presence was to feel valued, accepted, and deeply loved. Her legacy of warmth and kindness will continue to bloom in all who were lucky enough to know her and spend time with her. Cindy passed peacefully with her family surrounding her. The poster above her bed reads: "Life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away".

Cindy leaves behind her sons, Matthew and Patrick Whelan; her mother, Karin Karvelas; her father, precedent, Constantine Karvelas; her brother, Jerry Karvelas; bonus daughter, Sarah Ilvento; niece, Nicole Gryzb; nephew, Christopher Karvelas; and five grand nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends. Details will be shared by the family in the coming days.

Cremation Services were held privately.

Arrangements are under the direction of Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ.