Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Cynthia Handen Obituary
November 22, 1956 - June 8, 2021
El Dorado, California - Cindy died unexpectedly on June 8, 2021 in El Dorado, CA. She was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on November 22, 1956 to parents Carl and Roberta Handen.
In 1961, Cindy came to Los Gatos, CA with her family and attended local elementary schools and Leigh High School in San Jose, CA. In 1978, she graduated from the University of California (Davis) with a BA degree in Anthropology. Shortly thereafter, she began a long career in the medical research field. Her first job was with the Stanford University Medical Center where she participated in research on sleep disorders and in cardiovascular medicine. After Stanford, she worked on clinical studies at Medtronic Vascular in Santa Rosa, CA and at Edwards Life Sciences in Irvine, CA. In 2007, she began a 10-year association with Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA as Director of Clinical Research. After moving to El Dorado, CA, she accepted a position as Research Manager for Dignity Health in Rancho Cordova, CA. Upon retirement, she worked part-time with the US Forest Service Experiment Station in Placerville, CA and retained this job until her death.
One of Cindy's most unusual tasks was participation in a research study in 1989 of the Giant Chacoan Peccary in Paraguay, South America. This particular peccary was a rare and endangered species and little was known of its feeding habits and social behavior. The results of the study were published in Zoo Biology in 1991 with Cindy listed as coauthor.
All of her life, Cindy had a great love for animals. This included horses, dogs, cats, and birds. For a time, she participated in sheep dog herding contests and won several ribbons. She was a equestrian rider and her favorite horse was named "Zanna". On her "Singing Tree" ranch in El Dorado, she kept dogs, cats, and chickens as well as Zanna. She also enjoyed collecting plants—particularly rare succulents.
Cindy, beloved daughter, will be greatly missed by her surviving parents, and brothers Paul (Nina), Douglas (Tracy) and nephews Jack, David, and Alex and niece Amanda as well as numerous friends and relatives.
Donations in Cindy's name may be made to the Yosemite Conservancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Handen
Eva Laramy
November 22, 2021
My deepest condolences are with those who loved her, today on her birthday. She was selfless, kind, courageous, a beautiful soul who loved deeply and quietly. May the world learn from you and all that you gave it. With gratitude.
Vicki Burich
October 2, 2021
I will always remember Cindy as the only person in our dorm at UCD who kept a dog, Randy, and a parrot, Chester in her room. A funny Cindy memory is how we used to go into our nearby stairwell where she would practice her Tarzan yell because the acoustics were great! I have fond memories of a trip to Yosemite, her "feeding" me at my first bike race, parties and trips to The City (SF) for comedy shows. We lost touch sometime after I moved to Idaho. I was shocked and saddened to learn of her passing and want her family to know I thought she was a very special lady.
Sincerely, Vicki Burich
Bari
July 31, 2021
I am greatly saddened to know that we will never be able to have Cindy around to infect us with her glorious smile and laughter..what a bright light she was and I will miss her very very much. It's not often that someone radiates such love, and brings you into that with such ease. Cindy was one of these special individuals and the world will not be the same without her in it. My condolences to the family and everyone who loved her.
Grant Hoyt
July 26, 2021
Karen and I are deeply saddened over the passing of our long-time friend. I first met Cindy in the summer of '78 after she had graduated from UC Davis and came to work at Stanford. Over the years we worked in adjoining labs at CT Surgery. She brightened the workplace with intelligence, good humor, warmth and dedication to the job. Her love of animals and the natural world was deep and heartfelt. Cindy's smile always lit up the room with positive energy. She was one of the good ones; gone too soon. Sincerest condolences to Bobbie and Carl and family. Love you, Cindy-anna.
Janet and Kevin Legendre
June 30, 2021
We are so surprised and filled with sadness upon hearing the news of Cindy´s passing. She was taken way too young and had so much to offer to this life, her friends, family and all the animals she loved. You could feel her joy when she spoke about her animals and love of nature. We send our love to her family and feel special that we were able to meet such a beautiful lady.
Vicky McGavack
June 27, 2021
I was totally shocked and saddened to hear of Cynthia's passing. I worked with her at Hoag hospital for the 10 years she was there. She was amazing and SO smart in her work. We shared many things but especially the love of animals including horses. I was sad that she moved away but supported her new adventures. She was an amazing woman. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Sadler
June 27, 2021
Oh, my beautiful soul! You will be so missed on this earth. I love you laughter which I can still hear in my heart. You loved your "babies" and any of us who crossed your path. Gone too soon!! Much Love Cindy
Erin Rogondino
June 24, 2021
Cindy was my manager at Stanford University for several years and I remember with great fondness. Her laugh was contagious and she brought a lot of joy to our workplace, she was a beautiful soul.
Mary Springer
June 24, 2021
So shocked and saddened. She was a great supervisor and friend.
Annie
June 21, 2021
We are so shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. We will be forever grateful for the times we were able to spend together especially during her Australian adventure. How we laughed! Mostly we exchanged emails . I particularly enjoyed swapping photos of where are dogs slept on our beds. As the humans wrapped around them it’s a wonder any of us were able to stand up straight. We’ll miss her. Annie and Richard
Scott Flammer
June 21, 2021
Cindy was already an amazing woman when I knew her best around 40 years ago. Her warmth and kindness coupled with her extreme energy and ability to delight in nature and all it's wonders infected all those around her with this passion!
Her love of life and all it's critters was always a part of her. She was fun and funny as with her Tarzan yell! But laughter came easily to her as did a sincere and open regard for others.
Cindy has touched many lives, and made them better!
I will miss her.
Scott Flammer
Helen Thompson
June 19, 2021
I am saddened by what she left unaccomplished in her short, but powerful lifetime. A smile that would light up a room, and an understanding of how we are all one, both animals and people, to enjoy one another, are her legacy. Another star in the galaxy!!
meghan shigo
June 18, 2021
Cindy was a good and loyal friend to me. She was thoughtful, creative, kind and loved nature. I have paintings in my house and a beautiful succulent bowl that she gave me that I will hold forever close. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. This was very shocking news. Sending my deepest condolences.
Kim Owens
June 17, 2021
I am so terribly sad about Cindy's passing. She was my friend. We went camping in last August to the Eastern Sierras with my husband and a total of 5 dogs! It was beautiful! She emailed me about 6 weeks and after texting we decided to talk over the weekend. Neither one of us got around to calling. Of course I will always regret that. Although feeling broken hearted, I will remember our camping trip, visiting her at her beautiful little home in El Dorado and years earlier, watching her compete in sheep herding with Max, her beloved Border Collie. Condolences and love to her Mom, Dad, and brothers.
Sincerely,
Kim Owens
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Cynthia Handen's name
Memorial Events
for Cynthia Handen
How to support Cynthia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Cynthia Handen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
