Cynthia Rich

Old Saybrook— Cynthia “Cindy” Ann (Cottrell) Rich, 65, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, after a long illness.

Shewas born on June 30, 1950, in New London, to Carolyn (Perry) Cottrell and George Samuel Cottrell. Cindy lived in Stonington borough until 1958 when her family moved to Old Saybrook. She resided in East Hampton since 1974.

Cindy leaves her beloved husband, Mike, of 45 years; and the light of her life, son, Jeffrey and his girlfriend, Sarah Lam. She also leaves her sister and best friend, Jeanne of Palm Harbor, Fla.; brothers, Richard of Niantic, Michael of Westbrook andWilliam of St. Mary’s, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cindy graduated from Old Saybrook High School in 1968 and attended Middlesex Community College. Cindy was employed by the Middletown Board of Education as a reading paraprofessional for 16 years. She was also employed by Post Reporting in Hamden as a verbatim transcriptionist for the Connecticut State Legislature. Cindy was an expert seamstress who designed many equestrian showcostumes, adult and children’s clothing and enjoyed home decorating. She enjoyed painting and drawing with much of herwork in animal portraiture. She put her art skills to work with an extensive ceramics collection making sure all the holidays were skillfully decorated. Cindy was an avid reader of many literary genres, and as a young child would often hide under the covers at night with a flashlight reading until the early-morning hours. Cindy loved her orchid collection and always had a bouquet of fresh flowers by her night stand.

A special thank you to the staff at Middlesex Hospital, especially Heather and her co-workers in the CCU, Hospice and the 5th floor nursing staff for the care they gave Cindy and the compassion they showed to family members. Another very special thank you to Cindy’s home health care aide, Bozena, who helped with her care during the period of her illness.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the East Hampton Public Library, 105 Main St., East Hampton, CT, 06424.

Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook is in charge of funeral arrangements, which will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be made atwww.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.