Cynthia Ann Cashore

It is with great sorrow and aching hearts, that we are letting you know Cynthia Harris Cashore (nee Cynthia Ann Harris), 83, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away in her beloved home at approximately 6:45 AM, April 2, 2025. Cynthia was born on March 9, 1942, in New Orleans, LA, to Elmer Matthews Harris and Marion Lord Harris (nee Johnson). She leaves behind her totally devoted husband of over 51 years, A. Richard Cashore, her sister, Barbara H. St. Amour, sister-in-law Sally Blackerby, three nieces and a nephew, and a large, extended family of close friends she gathered as she moved through life.
From New Orleans, LA, she moved with her parents to Arlington, MA, and later from there to Summit, NJ in 1952. She spent most of her formative years in NJ, and graduated from Summit High School in 1960. She went on to attend the College of William and Mary from 1960 to 1964, graduating with a Bachelor's degree. She also became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority while in college.
After graduating from college she returned home, to briefly work for Kemper Insurance, in Summit. At a friend's suggestion, she looked into employment as a civilian with the U.S. Federal government, and subsequently took a position with the Dept. of the Navy in New London, CT. As her career progressed with new opportunities, she later relocated to Washington, DC; China Lake, CA; and San Diego, CA, finally retiring from the Dept. of the Navy in 1998.
Cynthia was introduced to A. Richard Cashore in approximately 1972, when they were both attending a work-related conference in Washington, DC. What started as a long-distance relationship (Richard was living in CA at the time), was made permanent on July 7, 1973, when they married. The wonderful, loving relationship continued on throughout the years as they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in 2024.
Cynthia always maintained her deep attachment to the Williamsburg, VA area, so in 2001 she and Richard moved to Williamsburg for their retirement years. In retirement Cynthia kept even busier than when she worked full-time. She served as the Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni advisor for close to 20 years, as well as serving on the William and Mary Alumni Club. In 2007 she joined the Vintage Ladies organization, becoming the Secretary for the Vintages Ladies' Board. In addition to those activities, she also was a volunteer for Colonial Williamsburg for a number of years, was an avid Bridge and Train player, and still found time for a book club.
Cynthia was a fun-loving, exuberant, yet still dignified and sophisticated woman with a heart of gold, a generous hand, and believed, in her words "there's always room for one more at the table." Although she was diminutive in stature, her passion for life and willingness to volunteer her time to her community, sorority and social organizations, made her an enormous presence in the hearts and minds of those who had the honor and joy of knowing her. There are no plans for a formal funeral, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, tentatively planned sometime in summer 2025.
For those wishing to make a charitable donation in her memory, can do so to the College of Williams and Mary, Williamsburg, VA; Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Dublin, OH; or the Heritage Humane Society, Williamsburg, VA
Godspeed Cynthia, always and forever in our hearts, you will be remembered and cherished.