In Memory of Cynthia “Cindy” L’ Italien
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cynthia Catherine L’Italien (nee Christian) at the age of 71.
After a courageous battle with brain cancer, she took her last breaths surrounded by family at the Résidence Saint-Louis in Ottawa on August 17th, 2024, where she received exceptional care.
Cindy leaves behind her husband of close to 50 years, Paul L’Italien, daughter Chantal (Daniel Dominguez), an incredible granddaughter, Maya, her mother, Valeria Christian, extended family & friends accumulated over the years from her many activities.
Preceded in death by her, father William (Bill) Christian
Cynthia lived her life selfless, always looking out for others before herself. She was a devoted wife, mother, and proud to be a grandmother. She had a passion for cooking, baking, gardening, cycling, skiing, canoeing, hiking ect. . Also doing volunteering work for the City of Ottawa as a Pathway Patrol for the last 2 decades, leading by example . She took great pleasure in the happiness of others.
We would like to extend our thanks to all our friends, neighbours, colleagues, family and in particular Elaine Huestis, Mike and Val Williams, Lynne White, and so many others that were there in our time of need. All your support was invaluable to us.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Heritage Funeral Complex (1250 Trim Road – Access from Taylor Creek Drive, exit off the 174 Eastbound at Trim, first right at the roundabout ) in Orleans on November 24, 2024 between 11 to 2 PM with Words of Remembrance to be shared at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, an act of kindness in memory of Cindy would be greatly appreciated.
Any of my memories with Cindy has Paul right beside her. Every photo I have of Cindy has Paul right beside her. My favorite one is the two of them in a giant chair at Panorama.
Cindy was a proud gardener, always sharing her knowledge and fruits of her labour.
Cindy always warmly welcomed everyone knocking at her (their) door. They were not only words on a sign, but truly sincere.
When I walked onto their street, I often heard Cindy and Paul in pleasant debate. Cindy always seemed pleased when others joined in whether in agreement with her position or not. Cindy and Paul are excellent examples of how loving people can disagree (pleasantly) and still appreciate each other and their company so warmly.
Cindy lives on through Paul, Chantal….and everyone who got to meet her. Happy “72nd birthday”, Cindy
Cindy was a great cookie baker, always making them with love to others and spreading her love to others any way she could
What a beautiful lady! Always so supportive to everyone. One of my best Cindy memories is when Cindy would roll her eyes, shrug her shoulders and smile every time Paul would just be Paul – lol.
I will miss this wonderful treasure. Condolences to the family.
Cindy or “Cyn” was our friend for over 38 years. We (Roger and I) spent many memorable times together with her and Paul.
Cindy was an avid gardener sharing her wonderful preserves and plants. Taking care of my potted perennials as we moved between cities. Making space in her garden for some of my special perennials when we moved to the US.
She was a baker of cookies and squares which she loved to share especially at Christmas time.
More importantly, she was a mother and her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother to Maya.
Her memory will live on as we remember the special times we spent together.
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Paul, Chantal, Maya and family.
Love, Roger & Elaine
Cindy, we shared very happy moments with you, Paul, Chantal and Maya, those beautiful memories remain with us. Thats why we say that YOU ARE NOT GONE AT ALL, because you will always be in our hearts with a lot of affection and love.
Fond memories of our Xmas time family meals opening of gifts and watching movies or slides of past vacations at uncle Billy and aunty Vals. Independent Cindy on the other hand was more interested in playing with her new gifts.
We didn’t know our visit with Cindy in 2016 would be our last so these wonderful memories of how well Cindy and Paul treated us will remain forever. RIP cousin until we meet again.
I’ve met Cindy in the late 70th in Shannon ,PQ . I’m so great full to have known her . Her joy for life was truly amazing .She was a great cook and baker and shared her goodies with all her friends . Christmas was always very special !!
I think about all the good times we had together especially playing Rummy Cube and spending time at Paul’s island .
There are so many ,many memories to cherish !
I’ll miss her ,she will be forever in my heart ❤️
I will always remember our many outings skiing and playing tennis in pairs. You had such good sportsmanship together and were accomplished athletes!
Cindy was friend since our school years, a confidant, a cheer leader and a bit of a comedian. She generally bore the weight of her many responsibilities easily and if not that, with great patience. It is hard to believe that someone who lived such a healthy balanced life would be taken from us so cruelly. I will miss her the rest of my life.
Joyeux 72 ieme anniversaire, Cindy !
We met on the cycle path near the Petrie Island/Trim Rd junction and after a quick chat, you promptly handed me a Pathway Patrol brochure urging me to join – and I did! Thanks for being such a great role model of community service, no job too small for you, even picking up trash on the paths to make sure our City was kept clean. Paul, you and I struck a friendship soon afterwards. What a hoot we had at your place in Orleans either tasting your delicious breakfast preserves, laughing at the endless practical jokes Paul and you would come up with, and then taking a tour of your property admiring your astonishing snow sculptures (Paul swore they were of your making and I believe him). Cindy, I thank you for this beautiful friendship. I have enclosed a picture of you which I think is so, so you, one where you ooze pure joy of life with your stunning smile and laughter as you showcase your latest practical joke at the breakfast table. Cindy, don’t go changing! Avec douce affection. X Louise
I will remember Cindy as a joyful and an lively person.
There is no words to express the sadness of her loss.
She will live in my memory as a nice companion of Paul
Dear Paul and Chantelle
Bob and I offer our sincere sympathy to you Paul and Chantelle We spent some good times biking and skiing over the years. We ae so lucky to have such good and kind neighbours
I’ve known Paul since 1963 when we first joined the military. I had the pleasure of meeting Cindy much later when Paul and I were both posted to Ottawa.
Paul and Cindy were a perfect match. Paul the outgoing prankster and Cindy his quiet accomplice with her own sense of humour. I really enjoyed my visits to their home–especially the meals on their beautiful sunporch with the views of Cindy’s wonderful garden and bird feeders.
I also enjoyed sharing the bike rides–like the one pictured here on the Rideau Canal in 2008.
Although I left the Ottawa area some time ago I’ll miss Cindy in my thoughts and offer my heartfelt condolences to Paul and Chantal.
Our heartfelt condolences to Paul and family for your loss. Cindy was a close family friend when growing up in Orleans and she will be missed.
to my friend Paul and family sincere condolence for the lost of Cindy that i have known for at least 50 years of good memory
Cindy, you were a very special person that was always there for us in time of crisis. We will never say enough thank you (s) for your support and to anyone else in your life time. We will never forget you. You will be in our hearts until we meet again. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Paul, Chantal, Daniel and Maya, I am so sorry for your loss. Cyndi will be remembered fondly and with love by all her friends at the gym.
I just made “Cyndi’s guacamole” this week (for the umpteenth time). A simple but tried and true recipe she gave me and one which I have passed along to others.
Cindy was a wonderful person; usually smiling and calmly speaking with understanding. We last saw Cindy in summer of 2015 when my wife, Carmen, and I went east for a holiday. Cindy’s mom, Valerie, hosted us for 5 days. Val was the hostess with the mostess. Cindy and Paul showed us around Ottawa for 5 days. The best tour guides ever. We learned so much about our capital city and had a great time doing it.
We used to visit auntie Val, uncle Bill and Cindy in Edmonton before Cindy moved East and then Val and Bill moved East. We always had great conversations at our visits and got to see Uncle Bill’s holiday slides. We are so sorry for Cindy’s passing. She deserved better. . Our best wishes to Paul and family.
Mike and Paul met through Badminton in 1991 during our posting in Ottawa.They became fast friends and remain so today.
Cindy and I followed them.
As a couple Cindy and Paul were an example of true partnership in their love for each other and demonstrated their devotion to family, friends and community every day.
Cindy was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter!
Though we were often separated by miles our friendship remained strong.
Our memories of the many adventures they shared over the years remain .
We are blessed and honoured to call this strong caring woman our friend.
Rest in peace Cindy until we meet again.
I did not have the chance to get to know very well Cindy but i do know she was lived and will be missed by everyone that got to meet her. May she rest in peace
Paul, nous désirons t’offrir nos sincères sympathies ainsi qu’à ta famille et à tes proches.
Solanges et Wil
Ottawa
I first met Cindy and Paul when I joined the Pathway Patrol. I went on a few group rides with them as part of my training. I reached out to Cindy and/or Paul if I needed a partner to patrol with, I was never turned down. No job was too big or small, whether it was moving a large branch off the path or picking up the tiniest piece of paper along the trail. I can vividly remember Cindy pointing out things that needed to be picked up by Paul as he was always at the rear, Cindy and I kept on going. I tagged along with them one weekend on a First Aid/CPR two day training. We left the training not knowing if the unresponsive baby was treated properly. We had several laughs during the training and somehow managed to get our certificate. There was never a dull moment with Cindy and Paul.
Happy Birthday Cindy!
Cher Paul ,Chantal et famille, Daniel et Valérie se joignent à moi pour vous dire que même s’il n’est pas possible d’être avec pour la célébration de vie à Cindy, vous êtes dans nos pensées, Gilberte
She lived next door for many years to my parents. Even after. They moved into a retirement home she visited with baked goods. She will be missed but remembered always for her giving spirit.
My Sincere Codolence to Paul and his familly you will be in my thoughts and prayers, May Cindy rest in Peace.
Love, Robert
Cher Oncle Paul,
Il y a des gens dans la vie qui nous marquent et qui ont une influence positive sur nos décisions dans la vie…..
Toi et tante Cindy font partie des ces gens.
Merci pour les conseils, les examples et comme de raison….THE WEALTHTY BARBER…
Vous serez toujours dans notre coeur…..
Mon oncle Paul, Chantale et la p’tite famille, nous sommes de tout coeur avec vous… Toutes nos condolences et bon courage dans cette dure épreuve….
RIP tante Cindy ❤️
Mario, Linda
I was basically raised by her daughter Chantal, and even if I wasn’t her biological grandchild, I always felt welcomed. I remember coming all the way from Quebec to spend days with her and Paul on the small island they owned (or at least that’s the info I remember from when I was a kid).
I spoke only French at the time, and she only spoke English. But that language barrier did not prevent us from bonding.
We didn’t see each other after I stopped living with her daughter, yet her and Paul sent me EVERY YEAR letters for my birthday.
She will stay a very happy childhood memory for me. I hope she’s painless wherever she is