Cynthia "Cindy" Allyn

4/21/1941 - 7/2/2025

Mystic - Cynthia "Cindy" (Abell) Allyn of Mystic, passed away peacefully July 2, 2025. Born in Hartford, April 21, 1941, Cindy was the daughter of the late F. Russell and Esther (Isleib) Abell, born six years after her twin brothers, Paul and Philip. Raised in East and West Hartford, she graduated from The Chaffee School in 1959, and then attended Connecticut College for Women. Cindy met her future husband, Louis "Lou" at a dinner dance with The Gunnery School in 1957; they were married Nov. 5, 1960.

After starting a family in 1961, Cindy loved being a stay-at-home mom in Longmeadow, Mass., where she eventually began a many-year career as a tax preparer at H&R Block, putting her love of numbers to good use. She continued this work after moving to both North Grafton, Mass., and Masons Island.

Her family and circles of friends over the years were the most important aspects of her life. People were drawn to Cindy's kindness, warmth, sense of fun and thoughtfulness. She expressed her love and generosity through handwritten notes and cards (no birthday was ever missed) and gifts and gestures large and small. A naturally cheerful person, she enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings, and loved to cook, bake, knit, read, go to art museums and concerts, and have adventures and travels with her husband, family and friends. She also greatly enjoyed sailing and cruising New England waters on their sloop "Allegretto," fully embracing her role as first mate.

Though she prided herself on her organizational skills, she often cast those aside for a more haphazard and free approach when expressing herself creatively. She loved colors her whole life (She was known for her colorful socks.), and brought an artistic flare to everything she touched. She took many photographs, especially of flowers, and created her own workshop to produce prints, calendars, small books and greeting cards for her own and others' enjoyment. Her house was decorated with plants, art and whimsical collections of very small objects.

She was very proud of the 248,000 miles on her bright red Honda CRV and had a spotless driving record. Cats were a life-long favorite, especially "Peep," whom she carefully tended to for many years. A particular pleasure was co-chairing arts and crafts shows with friends at the Masons Island Yacht Club, where she enjoyed selling her greeting cards. Cindy also proudly served on the board of LitLife, Inc., her son and daughter-in-law's educational business.

Cindy will be greatly missed and is survived by her husband; her son James Allyn (Pamela Allyn); her daughter Elizabeth Allyn (Julie Whitney); brother-in-law Rufus Allyn (Roy Bohlander); granddaughters, Charlotte Allyn and Katherine Allyn Markowitz (Aaron Markowitz); and great-grandsons, Gus and Lou; as well as a nephew and niece; other extended family members and many beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the United Congregational Church of Westerly, 9 Castle Hill Road, Pawcatuck, Ct. There will be no calling hours. A private burial will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mystic & Noank Library and The Loomis Chaffee School.