Cindy Lynn Watson, 54

Cindy Lynn Watson was a loving wife, doting mother and grandmother, and longtime Lancaster Township official, who will be long remembered for her willingness to freely draw from an incredible well of generosity and love. She passed away Nov. 18 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 54.

Cindy’s life was typified by unconditional love, grace and genuine hospitality. She cared about others deeply and was always on watch for someone in need, whether she knew them or not. In ways great and small, she gave without reservation to all who crossed her path.

In every sense, Cindy would go to great lengths to be generous, but for family it was quite often with her cooking. At home or when hosting, Cindy was relentless in ensuring that no friend or family member ever went hungry – or came remotely close. Even as she fell ill, Cindy would order extra snacks during her hospital stays – though not for herself, but rather to keep in a bedside table so she would be able to offer visitors a blueberry muffin or cup of Jell-O.

Cindy is remembered as a joyful soul, who was as equally likely to kick off her shoes and dance or to sit and sip coffee on the back porch of her home on Scott Ridge Road, which she always kept ringed by immaculately tended flowers. She loved to travel – whether it was to nearby Cooks Forest and Deep Valley Camp, or to Arizona, Greece, and the beaches of Honduras – where she would take great joy in capturing moments with her camera. Her favorite place, however, was always where her family was – and they were often at her home, surrounding the kitchen island.

Through their years together, Cindy loved spending time with her husband, Troy, where a quiet but sharp competitive streak served her well in cards games, volleyball and ping pong. As her days drew to an end, she spent them holding his hand.

A woman of great warmth and loyalty, Cindy gathered a wide array of deep friendships, many of which spanned decades. Always willing to open her home, arms and heart, she was a second mother to many. Cindy’s generosity was such that you need not be close to her to benefit, as she would stop to buy gas for drivers stranded on the side of the road or personally provide groceries to those who would stop by the township office in need.

Cindy served 25 years as an auditor and secretary-treasurer for Lancaster Township in Butler County, PA and as a Township Supervisor, from 2014 to 2016. In her tireless service, she was instrumental in securing significant grant money for the community that she loved.

She was a graduate of Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, PA., and longtime member of First Christian Church in Ellwood City.

Cindy was born in Ellwood City on Dec. 3, 1961 to the late Gerald Hamilton, who died in 2001, and Elsie Burkamp Hamilton Schwerin, (and her husband William “Doc” Schwerin) of Sewickley, PA.

She is also survived by her husband of 36 years, Troy A. Watson, with whom she raised three children: Luke A. (and Joni) Watson of Bethel Park PA;  Heidi J. (and Brandon) Szuminsky  and Jessica L. (and Josh) Sumpter, all of Waynesburg, PA.  She is also survived by her three grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Abel Watson, Adam Szuminsky, and Adalynn Sumpter.

She is also survived by two sisters, Susan J. (and Tim) Zelinka of Ellwood City and Jennifer R. (and Mike) Harley of Chippewa Township, as well as eight nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, December  3 at 1:00  P.M. at Love Hope Baptist Church, 400 Wayne Ave., Ellwood City.

The TURNER FUNERAL HOME at 500 Sixth Street, Ellwood City, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made in Cindy’s honor to the Deep Valley Christian Service Camp, 1073 Studebaker Rd., Slippery Rock, PA., 16057.

You may read the obituary, sign the guestbook, or send condolences at:www.turnerfh.com