Obituary of Cindy Donnelly

"Successful mothers are not the ones who have never struggled. They are the ones who never give up, despite the struggles." Cindy Lee Donnelly aka "Nana" or "Blue Eyes", was a woman on a mission, a woman with a purpose, despite the obstacles placed before her. She was a lover of people, often sacrificing herself for the benefit of others. To the very end, she put her family's needs before her own – struggling through the most unbearable pain to give them more time with her and to afford them hope for a different outcome. Sadly, despite her determination and competitive spirit, she closed her eyes and entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2018. Even the strongest and fiercest of warriors get tired, and Cindy was beyond exhausted. She held on long enough for one last spectacular Christmas, welcomed another year, and was able to spend her final days surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of her home in Livingston Manor, New York. Cindy Lee Donnelly was born on April 11, 1961 in Liberty (Loomis) New York to Blanche Beardslee and Thomas Donnelly. She was the oldest daughter of six girls. She would grow up amongst her sisters: Mary Ann, Judtih, Diane, Jacqueline, Rhonda and Chrystal; often spending lots of time with her grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Many stories about her childhood are centered around many years spent on "Tuttle Hill," a special place dear to her heart. Those closest to her will understand the significance of her grandparents' home on Tuttle Hill in Livingston Manor, NY. She was a vibrant young woman with an infectious smile and soul full of compassion. A graduate of Fallsburg High School, Cindy began working immediately after graduation while she decided on a career choice. Her heart would lead her to the healthcare profession, where she would work for many years as a CNA. In later years, she worked as a store clerk and found just as much happiness in that job, as she was surrounded by people and was able to still share with others her love, laughter and time. She was all about investing her time, even if just a few seconds, to help someone else who needed a helping hand or ear. Cindy was a loving mother, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, friend, companion and more. From a doting daughter and protective sister, her life journey would continue and she would play one of her biggest roles ever, being a mom. She took much pride in her children, Amy, Michael and Timothy. One of her greatest joys and achievements was being a mom. Her children gave her the will to fight through anything and everything. Being a mother brought Cindy much happiness, at times heartache, as any mother will understand – but through it all her children remained the greatest joys of her life. Her love for her children was magnified and transcended over time into a beautiful love affair that only a "Nana" can have with her grandchildren: Malang "Itsy", Sankung, Jr "Juney Bug", Michael "Monk", Mariama "Little Amy", Jaelyn "Jay", Binta "Bee", and Carter "Pretty Eyes." Her grandchildren became her universe and she perfected being the All Star Nana. She loved all of her nieces and nephews, but a certain niece, Kaitlyn would adopt her as her Nana too. When she wasn't spending time with her children or grandchildren she was always with family or friends, especially her sisters Rhonda and Judy, who she spent lots of time with. She had many dear friends over the years that would also provide her companionship and endless memories. Cindy's spirit was larger than life, her presence always known, and her bark often worse than her bite. Her love for Native American culture, art and history was imprinted upon her heart and soul; her connection to her Native American part of her ancestry kept her surrounded by the love and protection of dream catchers. The purpose of a dream catcher is to protect one from bad dreams and to keep evil spirits away. Cindy hung dream catchers everywhere, not just to keep evil away from her, but all of those she loved. She could never have imagined that she would get cancer; she had the rest of her life mapped out and endless moments she was ready to create and share with her loved ones. A true warrior queen, she entered her fight with cancer on a mission to win a war. However, the war on a cancer is a long way from victory, but Cindy conquered many battles along the way and held on for five long months. Her last and final sacrifice for those dearest to her, was to give the gift of time. She bought as much time as she could and was finally able to enter into her forever after on January 5, 2018. Her final days were full of love, laughs, smiles, and of course, her barking orders when she could muster the energy for it. Wednesday, January 3, 2018, was a special day that Cindy herself, we are convinced, made possible for her family. She was awake for a good part of the day, in good spirits and had many visits throughout the day. Many laughs were had and lots of love was shared. She knew her love over the years radiated around her like the warmth of the sun; as those she gave so much love, time, energy, and patience over the years embraced her and returned her love – let her know that she had been and would always be loved. An angel has truly been given her wings. Her soul is at peace, but pieces of her heart will live on here in this life, in our time. When you see one of her children smile, hear a laugh from one of her grandchildren, or see that familiar twinkle in the eyes of her sisters – know that she still lives. "Nana" aka "Blue Eyes" will forever live. Cindy Lee Donnelly is survived by her daughter, Amy Susso (Sankung) of Wappingers Falls, NY; her son, Michael Bryant (Jamie Mootz) of Livingston Manor, NY; her son, Timothy Bryant of Monticello, NY; her grandchildren and true loves: Malang, Sankung Jr., Mariama, Binta, Michael, Carter, and Jaelyn; her granddaughter-niece, Kaitlyn Bischert of Livingston Manor, NY; her dad, Ronald Beardslee of Livingston Manor, NY; her "little big sister" – Rhonda Bischert (Daniel) of Livingston Manor, NY; her sister Judith Donnelly (George Bowman) of Livingston Manor, NY; her sister, Diane Broadie (Fred) of Liberty, NY; her sister, Chrystal McAdams (Pete) of Livingston Manor, NY; a host of nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She is predeceased by her mother (her mom lived in her always), Blanche Beardslee; her father, Thomas Donnelly; her sister, Mary Ann Donnelly; her sister, Jacqueline Morris; her infant grandson, Xavier Bryant; her long-time companion, John Michael Bryant; her maternal grandparents: Lester and Betty Thomas; and many other dear ones. Cindy's life will be celebrated on January 8, 2018 at the Colonial Bryant Funeral Home on 29 Pearl St., in Livingston Manor, NY from 7pm – 9pm. Friends and family are welcome to come pay their final respects. A special thanks to Hospice of Sullivan and Orange County for making Cindy comfortable and allowing her the comfort of being able to spend her final days at the home of her "Little Big Sister." Rest easy beautiful. Arrangements under the direction of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, for further information call 845-439-4333 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com