Obituary of Cynthia Kristine Brunet
68 years to the day, Cynthia Kristine Brunet passed away on March 21 st , 2025 after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Cynthia was born on March 21 st , 1957 in Welland, Ontario to parents Joseph and Josephine Streitenfeld. She was a first generation Canadian, born to parents who immigrated to Canada from the former Yugoslavia after the war.
On a fateful night at the old Atlas hotel, Cindy met the love of her life Anthony. The two wed quickly at the young age of 21 and the pair were inseparable ever since - for the next 48 years to be exact. They enjoyed the simple things in life. Having a glass of wine while sitting outdoors. Watching the news like clockwork at 6 PM everyday. Enjoying a movie before bed. They loved taking on home projects together – always working on something. Cindy had great style and knack for décor. Most of all however, they loved to travel together. They enjoyed over 25 cruises, countless trips to visit family in the US, as well as trips with their extended family to Europe. The trooper that she was, Cindy was adamant on doing a cruise with her kids and grandkids only a month before she passed away.
Her family was her sole focus, and she worried over and took care of them until the end, sometimes to the exclusion of her own needs. She was notorious for her daily texts, which her kids will miss dearly. A devoted mother, she taught her kids the difference between right and wrong, how to be compassionate and caring, and how to treat people with kindness. When Cindy’s grandchildren Isla and Emmett were born, it began a whole new chapter for her. She loved nothing more than spending time with her “boo-boos”, face-timing almost daily and visiting with them every week or two.
Cindy spent her entire career working in various roles at the Niagara Catholic School Board. She started a week after graduating from high school, and remained there until her retirement in her 50’s. Her favourite time was when she worked in the guidance department of Notre Dame High School, where she met one of her dearest friends Fran.
Cindy was equal parts sweet and strong-willed. She had a sense of humour that remained intact right until the end. Cindy endeared herself to everyone who was lucky enough to have met her. Her caring, compassionate, and welcoming nature was immediately obvious. She loved hosting people at her home, over a glass or two of wine. She loved family gatherings and chicken roasts – starting at her father’s property on Lake Erie, with the tradition later carried on at Windborne, her sister and brother-in laws home after her fathers passing. She loved spending Thanksgiving up north every year at Beauchene with her extended family. These family gatherings were her most favourite memories.
Cindy is most certainly singing and dancing with her parents in heaven right now. She is survived by her husband Anthony, her children Ryan and Lindsay, son-in-law Brent, grandchildren Isla and Emmett, brother Michael (Judy), sister Ann-Marie (Dave), and by several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements are entrusted to the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 827 East Main St., Welland. As per her request, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date in Cynthia’s honour. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Sakura House Hospice in memory of Cynthia.
