Cynthia Spano

On August 14, 2024 the beloved Cynthia E. Spano (Midgley) of Hillsdale, NY passed away peacefully; she was 88 years old. Cynthia was born on March 21, 1936 in Norwood, MA to parents Kenneth & Mildred (Bowers) Midgley. She was the eldest of seven children. She is survived by her children Lucia, Elizabeth (Philip), Rosemarie (Gary), Joseph, William, Anne (Anthony), Mary (Lawrence), Antonia (Michael), Dorothea, Joyce (Jason), Cynthia (Kevin), Francis (Nancy) and daughter-in-law Diane. She is also survived by her siblings; Joyce, Robert (Fran), Edith (Robert) and William. She is preceded in death by her Parents, her husband Anthony Spano, her sister Sandra, her brother Ricky, her two sons Leonard and Nicholas, her son-in-Law James and her two grandchildren Dorothea and William.
She was the proud Grandmother of 24 Grandchildren; Rocco, Alexis, Anthony, Dorothea, Joseph, Joseph Jr., Kyle, Justin, Nicole, Gina, Corey, Lucia, Ashley, Courtney, Stephen, Christopher, William, Michelle, Roxanne, Julia, Tiffany, Megan, Michael, James and 4 Step Grandchildren Jessi, Cierra, Kevin Jr. and Kaitlin, as well as all their spouses and partners.
She was the delightful Great Grandma (Gigi) to 16 Great Grandchildren; Olivia, Isabella, Vincent, Lucas, Nicholas, Joseph, Rose, Violet, Ezra, Carson, Hailey, Lincoln, Brooks, Greyson, Mason, Weston and 6 Step Great Grandchildren Kobe, Kaden, Alexa, William, Emmett and Mila.
She had an enormous amount of love to distribute and she did it unconditionally. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of it all.
Cynthia was born in Massachusetts and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY until she graduated from Edison High school. Her aspiration was to go off to Teachers College, she was as studious as they came. However, the universe had different plans for her. She met the love of her life, Anthony (Tony) and they were married in 1954 and settled in Yonkers, NY for the better part of 26 years. They finished raising their family in Yorktown Hgts., NY and eventually settled in Hillsdale, NY. Their love story spanned a lifetime, Sixty Three (63) years, during which time they nurtured a continuously growing family and managed all the trials and tribulations, as well as the triumphs and joys, from a brood of Fourteen (14) children and their children. Cynthia had the warmest and most tender heart. She had so many people to love and did it so naturally. She was a devoted Big Sister and cherished her time with each and every one of her siblings. She was an Aunt and Cousin to so many and gracefully nurtured these relationships, offering love and guidance as if they were her own children. The good times and laughter were endless.
Cynthia devoted her entire life to her role as the Family Manager. She may have not had a degree in any one profession, but as a wife and mom she mastered the roles of; Teacher, Counselor, Nurse Practitioner, Faith Leader, Budget Planner, Psychologist and Chef, to name a few. She held her family in tact, doing it with love, kindness and unlimited patience. An expression of Cynthia's love was the meals she prepared, she loved to cook and throw a good party. There was always something cooking on the stove or baking in the oven and if you knocked on her door at dinner time you were guaranteed a seat at the table and a warm meal. She was all about family traditions and she instilled in her children the importance of carrying on these traditions, especially holidays. While she loved all the holidays, Easter was most special. She carried on the tradition from her mother-in-law Lucia Spano, in making Easter Rolls and having a small feast with both her family and her brother-in-laws family the day before Easter.
Cynthia was an avid reader of novels and a devoted reader of daily prayer. Her faith was unwavering and her examples of kindness, forgiveness and genuine love were always present. During her time in Hillsdale, she and Tony loved to stop at tag sales, so much so that they decided to dabble in it themselves. So for the past 15 years, 3 to 4 times a year, they would line their driveway with long tables and put out all their treasures (and junk) to hold a tag sale. It was a labor of love that allowed them to socialize and form friendships. Each year became bigger than the last as more family members and friends got involved, either selling their treasures or cleaning out their homes and shipping stuff up to Cynthia for her sales. It was a fun time for all involved.
Cynthia's legacy is one of greatness. She lived her life to the fullest, with so much grace and dignity. Her glorious smile and tremendous heart brought joy, love and brightness to whomever had the pleasure of meeting her. While her children and all who loved her are heartbroken, her love is irreplaceable and has penetrated their very souls. Rest easy Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She will be missed beyond words and cherished forever.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday August 21, 2024 from 2 – 7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. 895 Route 82 Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday August 22, 2024 at 10 am at St. Denis Church 602 Beekman Rd. Hopewell Junction, followed by burial in St. Denis Cemetery.
Please consider a donation in Cynthia's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org