Obituary of Cynthia A. Parks

"Cynthia A. Parks, 63, a resident of Florence, MA since 2004, finished her work of this life on December 13, 2008 at the Fisher Home of Amherst, MA, which provided hospice care during her final days. Born in Rochester, NY in 1945, Cindy was the middle child of Richard B. Parks and Ruth D. Parks who predeceased her. Her mother's second husband, Thayer Soule of Sun City West, AZ, also predeceased her. Cindy suffered the loss of her loving brother Stephen F. Parks in an automobile accident eight months ago. Cindy is survived by her partner and best friend, Faye Hollender and daughter Gabrielle Hollender of Florence, MA; sister Susan Parks and partner Jane Kerstetter of Stafford Springs, CT; and sister-in-law Louise Parks and neices Ursula Parks and Sarah Parks of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her cousins Robin Mandell of Sun City West, AZ and Cindy Thrane of S. Burlington, VT and their families; her cousins Gary Jamieson of Eagle River, AK and Julie Jamieson of Roanoke, VA and their families; and her maternal aunt and uncle, Katherine and John R. Jamieson of Roanoke, VA. Cindy will be missed by many dear friends and by colleagues from her 34 year career in child protective services for the State of New Jersey. A graduate of Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, Cindy later received her MSW degree at the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work in New Brunswick, NJ. Cindy held many social work positions over the course of her career, beginning as a caseworker for the Commission for the Blind in Boston, MA after college, and then, after moving to New Jersey, as a caseworker in the Trenton office of the then NJ Bureau of Children's Services. She subsequently became a supervisor and then field office manager in the Morris and Hunterdon District Offices of the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services. In the latter part of her DYFS service, Cindy was an administrator in the agency's Central Office, and in the several years prior to her retirement from State service in 2003, served as special assistant to DYFS Directors Charles Venti and Doris Jones. Cindy's many years of sound field experience coupled with her competent administrative and technical skills made her an invaluable asset and advocate "behind the scenes" for the children and families of New Jersey. Cindy, Faye and Gabby began their life together in Yardley, PA in 1990. They enjoyed summer vacations in Halls Mills and South Addison in Washington County, ME. Cindy's co-parenting of Gabby was a special joy of her life. In retirement, Cindy became an avid photographer, gardener and mystery reader, enjoyed exploring the Southwest and learning about pueblo pottery, and she never stopped searching for that perfect Maine rock. Cindy's terminal illness was found in 2005. She faced an uncertain future with great strength, courage and acceptance. Despite her diagnosis, Cindy devoted much of her final years to the loving care of her mother, Ruth, who was her greatest teacher in life. Ruth passed away at age 90 in February 2008 at Loomis House, Holyoke, MA. Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Beers and Story Funeral Home of South Hadley, MA. Burial will be private, at Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst, MA. A memorial service in celebration and thankfulness for Cindy's life will be Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 12 noon at Trinity Episcopal Church, 503 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712. In lieu of flowers, Cindy's family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002; D'Amour Center for Cancer Care, Baystate Regional Cancer Program, 3350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107; or the National Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) Foundation, 4990 Northwind Drive, Suite 121, East Lansing, MI 48823. "