Cindy M. Barilla

Cindy M. Barilla
of Johnson City
Cindy M. Barilla, 50, of Johnson City, ended her earthly journey on Saturday, May 15, 2010 and returned to our Lord after a courageous fourteen month battle with brain cancer. She is survived by her mother and best friend, Marcia Tinder; her uncle, Thomas Tinder; aunt and uncle, Gladys and Frank Melka of Baltimore, MD and aunt, Hisako Drumm of Sasebo, Japan as well as many cousins. She especially loved her good friends, Judy Evans, Darlene Shriver, Jennie Gifford, Joanne Menard, Pat Davis. Francoise Aubrun, Christine and Mike Fairbairn. Lissa and Hannah Connelly and Dorothy and Rocky Monforte. Despite being born with cerebral palsy which prevented her from walking, Cindy's accomplishments were many. She graduated from Johnson City High School and graduated with honors from Broome Community College, and SUNY at Binghamton. She was an active volunteer with several local charities, and raised thousands of dollars to care for abused, neglected. and unwanted animals. Cindy loved all animals, especially her beloved cats. Cindy had a wonderful sense of humor, a hearty infectious laugh, and a gentle, kind heart. She was a compassionate, generous and loving person who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Cindy performed many good deeds during her brief life, and she always encouraged everyone she knew to reach out to others in need, and "pay it forward". She lived every day to its fullest, and she gave everyone "unconditional" love. Cancer took Cindy's life. but it could not take her sweet-natured spirit. She was no stranger to adversity, but she never complained no matter how difficult a task might be. Her family is incredibly proud of her for being such a great humanitarian and a wonderful person. Cindy's family wishes to thank the many people who cared for her during her illness; the staff of Wilson Hospital, especially the loving caregivers of South Tower 5, Dr. Daniel Bellina, and everyone at Broome Oncology, Dr. Khalid Sethi and the staff of Southern Tier Neurosurgical Associates, Dr. Nathan Mann and the staff of Johnson City Family Care Center. Dr. Rashid Haq and the Cyberknife staff, the ladies at Medical Transportation Services. Ruth, Karen and Connie, and the many drivers of Yellow and Southern Tier Medivan Services. Her caregivers during the final days of her life, the wonderful staff of Lourdes Hospice, especially Belinda. Mary, Linda, Stacy, and Cody made sure Cindy and her family were cared for with dignity and respect. The compassionate care of these people means far more than mere words can ever say.
A funeral service will be conducted by Deacon Dorothy Pierce and Sister Frederica Dunn at the chapel of Vestal Hills Memorial Park on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11AM. At Cindy's request there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cindy's memory to the Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850 or the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad, Avenue B, Endwell, NY 13760. Arrangements are by the Barber Memorial Home, Johnson City.