Holyoke, MA – Cynthia “Cindy” Louise English
Cynthia “Cindy” Louise English (Stefanski), 67, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 23, 2026. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, kindness, and countless memories that will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her.
Born and raised in Easthampton, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1958, Cindy graduated from Easthampton High School in 1976.
In the summer of 1979, Cindy met Christopher “Chris” English, through mutual friends beginning a love story that would span decades. They married on August 27, 1982, and built a beautiful life together in Holyoke, raising their two children, Anthony and Julie. Cindy and Chris shared 43 years of marriage, creating a lifetime of memories, adventures, and unwavering love.
Above all else, Cindy was devoted to her family. Her children were her world, and she had a remarkable gift for making them feel cherished.
Her joy continued with the arrival of her three grandchildren, Romeo, Eliza, and Marci, the apples of her eye. They brought immeasurable happiness to her life and gave her endless reasons to keep fighting until the very end. She treasured every moment with them, and they will forever carry the love of their Grammy/Mimi in their hearts.
Cindy was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Eleanor Stefanski, and her brother, Robert Badger. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Christopher English; her son, Anthony English, and his wife, Christina, of Belchertown, Massachusetts; her daughter, Julie Velarde, and her husband, Andrew Velarde, of West Jordan, Utah; and her three adored grandchildren, Romeo, Eliza, and Marci. She also leaves her sisters, Joanne Laprade and her husband, Denis, of Holyoke, and Carol Day and her husband, Terry, of Easthampton; her sister-in-law, Anna Badger, of Ware; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Cindy shared a particularly special bond with her sisters, Joanne and Carol. They visited her several days a week, filling their time together with laughter, stories, and the simple pleasures that made life so meaningful. Cindy adored her extended family and made it a point to remember everyone’s birthday, ensuring that each person felt loved and remembered.
After graduating from Easthampton High School, she earned a certificate in medical assisting from Holyoke Community College and a phlebotomy certificate from Springfield Technical Community College. Throughout her career, she worked at several area hospitals before becoming the Clinical Coordinator at Springfield College, where she ultimately retired. She built meaningful relationships with providers, nurses, medical assistants, staff, and students alike. Her ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable made her a valued colleague and friend.
Her generous spirit extended far beyond her family and friends. Cindy would bring her children to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke to visit veterans, even when they did not know anyone there. She would sit and talk with the residents, sharing her time and attention, often brightening their day simply by being present. She also brought her children to the Special Olympics Games at Springfield College, instilling in them the importance of inclusion, compassion, and community. Cindy believed that every person deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, values she lived by and passed on to her family and friends.
Her legacy is not measured only by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched and the love she leaves behind.
Though her family takes comfort in knowing she was surrounded by love in her final moments, her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be remembered for her strength, her optimism, her laughter, her adventurous spirit, and her extraordinary capacity to make every person feel special. Most of all, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely and the beautiful example she set for all who knew her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tolaney and the staff at Dana Farber and Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston, Holyoke Hospice, and especially her incredible hospice nurse, Amber. Your compassion, kindness, and support meant more to the family than words can express. We could not have made it through this journey without you.
A private celebration of Cindy’s life will be arranged at the Log Cabin by invitation from her family.
Cindy’s life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and human connection. She made the world brighter and the love she shared will continue to live on in her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. Mitchell Funeral home is handling the arrangements.
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