Cynthia Howell Gooch Cross

January 12, 1954 - November 15, 2023

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Cynthia Howell Gooch Cross died on November 15, 2023, in her Chapel Hill home. A seventh-generation Chapel Hillian, she was born on January 12, 1954, to James Roger and Elsia Tillotson Gooch, who preceded her in death.

Cindy was magic -- she made any occasion extra special with her inspired culinary talents, festive decorations, and the great warmth, joy, and sense of fun she brought to a birthday, a holiday, any day, every day.

Cindy was an artist -- with her award-winning Record Bar window displays, exquisite voice and guitar work, tasteful cooking and baking, exceptional sound engineering, elegant illustrations, and superb photography, Cindy made the world a more beautiful place.

Cindy was kind -- not only to people and animals, but to all living beings. She had a rare and unique connection with nature, and loved and was loved by all flora and fauna. Her family and friends were the fortunate recipients of her beneficent world view; she challenged us gently to always begin from a place of kindness and empathy; to understand and forgive.

More than anything, Cindy was a great spirit -- one who will be missed and remembered, a force for good, a dear and well-loved woman who brought positive energy and compassion to the world, a seeker of light, love, and wisdom, the center and delight of many lives, and an old soul whom we hope to see again.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Cross, her sons Patrick (Amanda Hawkins), and William (Kimberly Hirsh) and their son, Michael Thespis; and sister Dianne Shaw (John).

No formal service is planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Nov. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Cross

Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.

12 Entries

Nancy Peacock

November 11, 2025

I went to school in CH with Cindy. Over the years after graduation, I would occasionally run into her around town, and, although we'd never hung out together much in school, she was always warm and welcoming, friendly, and deep. There was so much to Cindy. She was truly one of the most beautiful souls I ever met, and I am saddened to know that I won't be seeing her on the earth any longer. This is a big loss, even to people who did not know her, but especially to those who did.

Anne Lunde

January 2, 2025

I was sad to hear of Cindy`s passing. She was a neighbor, and schoolmate, and one of the nicest people I ever knew. I moved to Chapel Hill when I was 14, she was one of my first friends. I loved to hear her play guitar and sing, she had a lovely sweet voice. We lost touch over the years, but this picture shows how beautiful she was, inside and out. It was a privilege to have known her.

Rob Robbins (Wilson, NC)

August 7, 2024

Hey Mike,
I've been out of touch and was truly saddened to hear about Cindy. My sincere condolences. I know her spirit will bless you with peace of mind, body and soul. Will never forget the good mojo she always radiated, and those great mountain apples she gave me while standing behind stage with Buck Jones and Ollie Bass, waiting for you to kick it off at a music festival in Angier, NC many years ago. She was a true blessing indeed.

John & June Gallagher and family

April 8, 2024

Mike, I just found out about Cindy's passing. Our condolences to you and your family. Cindy was a special human being, and we loved seeing her whenever she was up our way. She will be greatly missed by the music community in the Northeast. We miss you too!

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Rex Schaberg

January 29, 2024

I was so saddened to hear this news. For those of us privileged to know Cindy, she truly made the world a better place. She was talented and kind, and possessed of a curious and gentle spirit. My condolences to the family. Her passing is a loss that will be felt deeply by everyone who knew her.

Kathlyn Stein

December 2, 2023

Cindy was my first introduction to the folk song movement when I moved to Chapel Hill in 1965, a new girl in the sixth grade at Glenwood Elementary School from the tumultuous Chicago area....She sang and played guitar in the context of the protest folk song scene of the 60´s, all the songs made famous by many in the civil rights and war protest movements. I was shy but I opened up to the heart of her song and had to learn them. I always loved her rendition of Washington Square, and then every thing performed by Peter, Paul, and Mary..... she was always one of the leaders among the girls in our grade.... From Mike and the family´s writing, she kept making the world a better place and died forever young. Thank you

Tom Eshelman

November 26, 2023

Oh my this is such sad news to hear. Cindy was a remarkable person. I met her when I was a college student at UNC-Chapel Hill and she was in High School. So much fun. What a smile. Then we lost touch as often happens and were able to reconnect one evening in Bone NC many years later when we went to a Mike Cross concert and there she was running the sound board. I recognized her from her hair. It was so nice to see her again and enjoy an amazing concert. I know you will be so missed by your husband and family and so many friends.

Pam Padgett

November 23, 2023

Diane and Mike: This is your cousins Pam and Debbie Padgett. We just found out about Cindy and are heartbroken. We are trying to reach you but don't have phone numbers for you. My number is 919-491-7654 if you would call. What a huge loss for us all.

Susan Muth Anderson

November 21, 2023

As a CHHS classmate of Cindy´s, this is sad news. Always the soft spoken quiet talented musician. I´m sorry for her family!

Marie Karres Coleman

November 20, 2023

When I saw the name, I knew she was Diane's sister. And we share 1/12 birthdays. The obit sounds like she will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
P.S. I took guitar lessons from Dyan Many moons ago in
high school.

Tom Watson

November 19, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bif Bream

November 19, 2023

So sorry to hear this, she was a wonderfully gifted person

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