Cynthia Bolender (Ikewood)

Williamson: Aged 64, passed peacefully in the company of her daughter on the evening of June 10, 2015 after a brief illness.

She is survived by her only child, daughter, Sandra Ikewood Schmitt and her  grandsons, Aaryn, Riley and Teagan Schmitt. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia Bolender of Ontario, sisters Deborah (Peter) Bernardi of NC, Robin Bond (Jimmy) of NC, Leslie Pagliuso of Ontario and brother George (Julie) Bolender of Ontario, and uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her father, George E. Bolender, brother Jack Bolender, niece Angela Bolender, and brother-in-law Jim Pagliuso.

Cynthia was born in Niagara Falls, NY  on July 29, 1950 and moved with her family to Ontario NY in the 60’s after her father began working for Xerox Corporation.

A 1968 graduate of Wayne Central School, Cynthia began working for Xerox Corporation shortly after; holding positions from Parts Dispatcher supporting the manufacturing lines, to Computer Operator running Xerox’s mainframe computer system.  She retired from EDS, a subsidiary of Xerox in 2006 and began her most important life accomplishment of being her grandsons daycare provider up until her brief illness. Her daughter and grandsons were her life and the sun rose and set around those boys whom she referred to as her precious treasures.  Warm cookies, a soft lap, gentle smile and comforting hug were what greeted them each day as they came home from school. They took on her love for cooking and could be found “whipping something up” with her in the kitchen. Their gingerbread houses they together built annually were always masterpieces.

Cynthia loved to garden; her home was surrounded by lush English inspired gardens and she was a plethora of information on her hobby. Her favorite flowers were orchids, but she was partial to pretty much anything that was vivid, bright, fragrant and beautiful.  Cynthia loved to watch the birds in her yard and enjoy the world she had created for them. She also loved to cook and many who have tasted her feasts could attest she had mastered that art. Her pies were beyond scrumptious. Humble as she was though, no one could talk her into entering a pie baking contest. Her family was extremely fortunate to be her daily judges. She was creative and talented making many beautiful hand painted items from wine glasses to vases for her family and friends. She also made hyper tufa garden pots, each unique having been made by her loving hands. She loved to read; her favorite authors were Stephen King and  Anne Rice. On her coffee table you could always find many books and subscriptions on cooking and gardening as well. Cynthia was a private person who kept to herself and surrounded her life with her family. Cynthia and her daughter were very close; best friends and were always together. She was known for her beautiful smile, genuine laugh, and kind and thoughtful nature; a truly beautiful person inside and out.

Friends are invited to her calling hours which will be held at her daughter’s home at 3939 Ridge Road, Williamson NY on Friday June 19 from 3-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Cynthia’s name to Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd, Ontario NY 14519.

Rochester Cremation, 4044 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623, 359-2300, RochesterCremation.com