Cynthia Gardner Smith

LAKEVILLE — Cynthia (“Cindy”) Gardner Smith, 90, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury.

Born Aug.19, 1934, at Sharon Hospital, Cindy was the eldest of 5 children born to the late William B. Barnett and Mary L. (Tuttle) Barnett of Lakeville.

A life-long resident of Lakeville, Cindy graduated from both Salisbury Central School and Housatonic Valley Regional High School before earning her LPN degree at Yale New Haven Hospital. After graduating from nursing school, she worked at the Yale New Haven Hospital and Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, California, in the labor/delivery department and the pediatrics department.

Upon returning to Lakeville, she worked for a time at Community Health Plan and as the school nurse at Indian Mountain School, retiring after 17 years of service with the school. In addition to her career in nursing, Cindy extended her expertise in the care and well-being of children by providing childcare to local families which spanned two generations.

Cindy was a tenacious problem solver and an incredibly talented seamstress/ knitter who relished the challenge of anything that required manual dexterity and skill. She enjoyed sailing her sunfish on Lakeville Lake, loved travelling, birdwatching, and gardening.

Cindy was a life-long member of The Lakeville Methodist Church and very active in all aspects of the church. Cynthia was predeceased by her father (William B. Barnett), mother (Mary L. Tuttle Barnett), sister (Joan B. Loper), and twin brothers (William Barnett, Jr. and John Barnett).

She is survived by Clayton S. Smith, her devoted husband of 53 years, her son Darren G. Smith, brother Peter Barnett, sister/brother-in-law Marion and Fred Romeo, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m in Salisbury Cemetery. A Celebration of Cynthia’s life will be held later that morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Noble Horizons, followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Community Room at Noble Horizons. Ryan Funeral Home, 255 Main St., Lakeville, is in care of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Lakeville Methodist Church, PO Box 648, Lakeville, Connecticut 06039.

To offer an online condolence, please visit www.ryanfhct.com

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