Cynthia Kay (DeGirolamo) Gilligan, 63, of Wooster, OH passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
Cindy grew up in Alliance OH. A 1975 graduate of Alliance High School, she went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 1979 and later a Master’s Degree from Kent State University in Special Education. At the time of her death, Cindy had been employed by Ashland City Schools for 35 years. She was a true champion for her students, very devoted to them with her time and energy.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Dorothy, her in-laws Carl and Norma, her grandparents, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Cindy is survived by her loving husband Bob of 33 years and her son Ben of Orlando, FL., brothers Michael (Pam) and Joseph DeGirolamo of Alliance, twin sister Edythe (Chet) Bowers of Chandler, AZ., nieces Gia, Jenna (Cory), Caley, and Heather, and nephews Tony (Anne) and Trevor, and her great nieces Lydia and Leah and a soon to be great nephew, and many cousins.
Cindy will be missed by so many people. We have many beautiful memories of our remarkable wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. She was a true gem who made the world a better place by her kindness and compassion. One of her favorite sayings was In a world where you can be anything be kind. Do something kind for someone today to honor Cindy’s memory.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home Facebook page at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Private interment will be held in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Alliance.
Friends will be received on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayne County Animal Shelter, 5694 Burbank Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 in her honor.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Wayne County Animal Shelter, 5694 Burbank Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 in her honor.
Service
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home Facebook page at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2020
Visitation
Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
You have my deepest sympathy for your lost. Cindy was a wonderful person. I taught with her at the old Middle School for many years. She was a shining star in our world and now will be one in the heavens. I will always remember her for her deep fear of riding the elevator. She always seemed to be riding it when it would get stuck.
I was so saddened to hear about your sister. Sending you prayers, with deepest sympathy, Margaret
Saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. We grew up across the street from her and her family in Alliance. We lost track of most of the family as the years passed. Condolences to Mike, Joe, Edith and family.
We are so sad to hear of Cindy’s passing. Tyler and Ben were at the same babysitter as toddlers. Cindy loves on my son like he was her own! She will be greatly missed. We will cherish our memories. Keeping Bob and Benny in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sad to hear of Cindy’s passing. Tyler and Ben were at the same babysitter as toddlers. Cindy loves on my son like he was her own! She will be greatly missed. We will cherish our memories. Keeping Bob and Benny in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. I worked with her– at the old middle school and later at Osborn and Taft. She was a dear friend and loved all the children she came in contact with– and they loved her right back. She was so proud of her family and always beamed when she talked about you. I feel honored to have known her, and will be praying for you all at this sad time.
We are so sorry to hear this. Cindy was such a kind person. God Bless You Bob and Ben.
My heart is broken to hear of Cindy’s passing. She was a dear friend in Junior High, High school and after. Our lives drifted a part but we briefly kept in touch online. She and her sister were so fun to hang out with. My deepest sympathies & blessings to Bob, Ben, Edythe, Mike, Joey & her entire family. You will be so missed! Love you, Cindy.
Sending condolences. Fond memories of you from our friend group in H.S. Sending hugs to your family.
Edythe, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sharon Woodward and Karen Woodward Devore
My beautiful second mother,
Thank you for every pep talk, every time you included me in your fun with Ben, growing up with you on my life was the best. Thank you for raising my best friend, and i know you’ll alwaysbe with him.
I honor you, my cousin, better known as DeeDee to me. The kids in our family knew that we were dearly loved — not just by our parents, but by our cousins, grandma, uncles, and aunts alike. We deeply loved each other, and you played a huge part in constructing that wonderful childhood for me, with me, and alongside me.
You gently lived out the words of scripture that say: “He has told you what is good, and what the Lord requires of you; To do justice & to love kindness, & to walk humbly with the Lord your God.” — Micah 6:8
So sad to hear of Cindy’s passing. I have such fond memories of junior high and high school. I will really miss you
Dear Bob and Ben,
My heart was saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. She was so kind to me as Ben’s 2nd grade teacher. I always enjoyed our chats and she always had a sweet and kind demeaner. She seemed to always have a smile that could light up a room. I am praying comfort and peace will fill your beings as the days go by.
Sincerely,
Kim Ramsier
Saddened to read about Cynthia’s passing. I worked with her mom, Dorothy @Jean Frocks and I always enjoyed seeing her and Edith when they came in the store. My deepest sympathy to the family. Sincerely Marcy Fitzelle
In Memory
of
Cynthia Kay (DeGirolamo) Gilligan
–With Deepest Sympathy,
Cibulas Family
We will always remember Cindy for her smile and loving spirit. May God keep you in his loving arms till we are together again.
My deepest sympathy to Bob, Ben, Cindy’s sister and her extended family. I worked with Cindy at the middle school. When I was first hired, my room was next to Cindys. She took me under her wing and made me feel like family. She was so kind to me. She and Bob even attended my wedding. I enjoyed many years working with Cindy. She had a heart of gold! I will miss her dearly.
Cindy was a true friend. She was always helping people and she was a very kind and loving person. I will miss our long talks on the phone, going to Church, our get togethers at a restaurant and especially working together for Midwest in the Group Home. She just went out of her way for people. I am just devastated by this and I am trying to come to grips that she is gone but it is very hard. I am praying for Bob, Ben and her family also that they can get through this difficult time. My last text to Cindy was about getting together for coffee again. I miss her so much. I Love You Cindy. You are one of a kind and will be truly missed.
I am so grateful to have known Cindy. I was a helper at Edison when she worked there. She ALWAYS gave of her heart and believed in what she did. The world is a better place because of her.
I am grateful to have known Cindy. I was a helper at Edison Elementary when she taught there. She ALWAYS gave of her heart and believed in what she did. The world is a better place because of her. She is missed
Dear DeGirolamo family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Cindy. You are in my prayers and thoughts during this sad time.