Cynthia Wall
Norwich — Cynthia Sue (Lawton) Wall passed away at her home in Durham on April 19, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for more than 20 years. Her beloved husband of 53 years, Dave, was by her side.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by son Michael and wife Karen of Zionsville, Ind.; son Douglas and wife Carrie of Douglas, Mass.; beloved grandchildren, Emma, Kate, Andrew, Callie and Adam; and special cousin Judy and husband Nick Magnano of Norwich.
Cynthia was born in Norwich on Jan. 26, 1947. She was the only child of James E. “Ed” and Elizabeth Lawton. She attended Norwich public schools, where she met her lifelong companion, soul mate and future husband in kindergarten at the age of 5. Cynthia graduated from The Norwich Free Academy (NFA) in 1964 and Central Connecticut State College in 1968, with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in mathematics and minoring in chemistry. She returned later that year to NFA as a member of the faculty in the math department. Later in her career she did advanced graduate work in mathematics and computer science at The Pennsylvania State University.
Cynthia was an intelligent, kind, gentle, considerate, loving person. Her two greatest joys in life were caring for her family and teaching. She totally embraced being a wife, mother and grandmother and provided a loving home in which her family could grow and prosper. From an early age, Cynthia knew she wanted to be a math teacher and worked hard to achieve that goal. She held numerous teaching positions during her career, starting at her high school alma mater to her last position at Xavier High School in Middletown, where she also served as the head of the math department. She was an exceptional teacher. She was genuinely interested in her students’ success, both in and outside of the classroom. She demanded the best they had to give and worked hard to help them achieve success.
Cynthia loved all sports.
She was a charter member of the Wall family foursome that frequented golf courses in Pennsylvania and Connecticut in the ’80s and ’90s. For many years she volunteered as an official scorer for what was then the Greater Hartford Open golf tournament. She loved to bowl and play bridge and participated in many leagues and tournaments. Cynthia was a cheerleader for her sons as they participated in their many activities, from preschool through college. She was always there to provide support and encouragement. Cynthia was an active member of her community and church. She volunteered her time and talents to teach CCD classes, serve as a Eucharistic minister, as well as serving on numerous other church committees. She delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, assisted at Red Cross blood drives, and volunteered her time to help many different organizations during the annual Durham Fair.
Cynthia, as was her mother 25 years earlier, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at a very early age. Following her diagnosis, Cynthia dedicated her life to helping find a cure for Alzheimer’s and became involved with researchers at The Alzheimer’s Research Lab at Yale, where she participated in projects testing new medications and therapies. Although she experienced many disappointments and frustrations over the past 20 years, Cynthia never gave up hope that someday a cure would be found for the disease that plagued her family and so many others. Sadly, little progress has been made.
Her Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at Notre Dame Church, Main Street, Durham. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Strong House Adult Day Center, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437.
To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.