Cynthia Burtson

Cynthia Burtson passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 31, 2025. Cynthia was born in Sonoma, CA on November 9, 1966 to Patrick and Joan Burtson. The oldest of three, she was raised in the Sonoma Valley where she enjoyed fun, childhood camaraderie with her siblings and neighborhood friends, living in close proximity to her beloved maternal grandmother and extended family, and learning the ins and outs of golf from her father, a highly-accomplished local teaching pro. From an early age, Cynthia had a deep love of and connection with animals. She had a passionate, tender-hearted fascination with lions and all species of big cats. In fact, the causes closest to Cynthia's heart all centered around saving and protecting animals. Cynthia was a loving daughter, and a deeply devoted and protective older sister to her brother John and her sister Suzanne. She leaves behind many friends, some practically lifelong friends-Cynthia had the admirable quality (much before the existence of social media) of making special effort to stay in touch with the people who mattered to her-reaching for them despite distance; despite time zone discrepancy; despite stages of life; despite frequency of reciprocity.
Cynthia graduated from Justin-Siena High School in Napa, CA and later moved to San Francisco, CA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Somatic focus from John F. Kennedy University. She famously loved (most things) San Francisco-the place she called "home" for much of her adult life. It was fate at work at its finest during a Pearl Jam concert when she met her beloved husband, best friend and "partner in crime" Sean Zamb. With a shared love of fun, food, music and travel-what Cynthia in her own words said she did best-a great adventure and romance sparked between a pair of destined soul mates, and a gorgeous, 8-week old pup "Ruby Ru" was adopted (via the Marin Humane Society) into their lives.
Known for her infectious joie de vivre, Cynthia experienced her 58-year life to its fullest. She loved world travel, domestic travel, camping in Yosemite, music festivals (and their accompanying festivities), intricately-planned getaways and outings with family and friends. In her daily life, she made a point of actively seeking-out quality moments. Among countless many things, she savored and appreciated a well-made mocha, a good thunderstorm, a chat on the phone, or better, an in-person visit with her brother and sister or a close friend. Cynthia loved reading and learning. She worked for a predominant number of years in the administrative / human resources sector of the Arts, achieving long tenures at the San Francisco Symphony and the Asian Art Museum. Some miscellaneous things that made Cynthia's heart sing: Ru off-leash at Ocean Beach, the dazzling colors of the dahlia garden at Golden Gate Park, a summer afternoon whiled away in her beloved hammock beneath the Redwoods at the "Rivah!", a Blue Angels flyover watch party, (speaking of parties) a good dance party (or any reason for a party), a festive, bubbly toast on a picture-perfect day at at Iron Horse, an outing (in search of oysters) to a favorite coastal Bay Area haunt with hubby Sean, big orange sunsets in the Sunset, well-celebrated birthdays (especially her own). Countless many moments, big and small, expertly strung together like holiday lights-that was the essence of Cynthia. Soulful and fun-loving with her urgent zest for living a good life-she has impacted the lives of many.
Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents Patrick and Joan, and her beloved dog Ruby. She is survived by her husband Sean Zamb; sister Suzanne Ring (Patrick); brother John Burtson (Aranda); a maternal uncle, and many beloved cousins.
A celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Donations to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue S.F., Marin Humane Society, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, or a donation to your favorite animal shelter, wildlife protection agency or organization that helps with disaster relief for animals would be appreciated.
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