Cynthia Battiste Obituary

Cynthia Howell Battiste, 67, passed away on September 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. As we remember Cindy, we are reminded of her unwavering faith in Jesus, boundless love, kindness to all and enduring family legacy. Her late parents, David Wright and Diane Boyne Howell, instilled a strong foundation of "family first" to Cindy at an early age. These values became the bedrock of her own family, a testament to the love and commitment she shared with her husband of 44 years, David Battiste. Cindy was a 1974 graduate of Niskayuna High School. As a senior, she began dating David, her future husband, who was a student at Union College. Cindy then attended Union College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1978. After college, she began a career in higher education administration at Bay Path Community College in Longmeadow, MA. In 1979, Cindy became the Associate Director of Alumni Affairs at Union College where she made many life-long friends. Cindy and David were married at First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady in 1979 and began their life together in Burnt Hills, NY. In 1981, she began her most important job of all as a mother. The family moved to Rexford in 1987, where their three sons grew up in the Niskayuna School District. Cindy was the ultimate boy mom. She never missed a sporting event or school activity in which the boys participated. She shared her love and kindness with all the families she met. As a busy athletic family, Cindy made sure the boys would gather around the kitchen table after games and practices to share their experiences of the day. Cindy was part of a close-knit family. They created traditions for the holidays, enjoyed pool parties at grandma's house and summer vacations to the beaches in Delaware, New Jersey and Cape Cod. She was the heart and soul of their family, a loving daughter and wife, a nurturing mother and grandmother and the best friend to her siblings. When her youngest son began kindergarten, she began a 17-year career at Craig and Glencliff Elementary Schools as a teacher's aide. Cindy's compassion, kindness and love for children shone through to all the students and school staff. She left an indelible mark on the lives of all, which was a testament to her loving and selfless nature. Following the birth of her first grandchild, Cindy retired from the school and began her most rewarding years of caring for, and spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Every moment with the grandchildren was a gift. Cindy's talents and inherent gifts impacted all those that she encountered. She was a gifted vocalist. She loved singing in the Niskayuna High School and Union College choirs. For the past 45 years, she sang in the First Presbyterian Church choir. She would sing with her sisters at family weddings and baptisms. She enjoyed playing bells in the church Bell Choir. Her elegant calligraphy graced the most beautiful Christ-centered Christmas and birthday cards, wedding invitations, and countless notes of encouragement, condolence and appreciation. Her letters reflected both her artistic flair and her active engagement in the lives of those she loved. She was a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, a beautiful person inside and out, an inspiration to all who knew her and a vital part of the lives of all who loved her. Survived by her loving husband, David M. Battiste, and her cherished sons, Matthew (Lindsey) Battiste of Charlton, NY, Michael (Joelle) Battiste of Delmar, NY, and Scott (Kayla) Battiste of Charlton, NY; adored grandchildren, Louis, Fiona, Archer, Adeline and Theodore; her beloved siblings, Pamela (Martin) Tentor of Auburn, MA, Timothy (Andrea) Howell of Orleans, MA, and Megan (Scott) Swenson of Saratoga, NY; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter's Hospital ICU, Oncology and Hospice for the loving care provided to Cindy and for the kindness shown to her family. Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Friday, September 15 from 5 to 8 p. m. Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady on Saturday, September 16 at 10 a. m. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St, Schenectady, NY 12305, to the First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady, 215 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 or to the Community Hospice Foundation, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome. com