Cynthia A. Gilchrest

Cindy Gilchrest was first and foremost, a beloved wife, mom, and grandma. Born in Binghamton, NY to Ed and JoAnn Hart, she grew up in Rahway, NJ (RHS ’64). She left home in November 1968 to fly to Ireland to marry her sweetheart sailor Richard and settled in, raised her family, and made Ocean County her home for over 50 years. She loved her flower garden, photography, birdwatching, and reading at the beach. She worked at various positions at JCPenney and Macy’s and owned Bay Traders Sport & Trophy Shop, retiring in 2015.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Richard; son Wayne and wife Laura Beth and grandchildren Jonathan, Connor, and Hailey of Mechanicsville, VA; daughter Alison and husband Joshua and grandchildren Molly and Eli of Woodbridge, CT; sister Linda Fitzgerald and husband David of Winter Springs, FL and niece Donna and nephew Michael; cousins Susan Campbell and Michael George.

She wants to be remembered, as her high school yearbook stated, as “a ready source for cheerful smile.” A celebration of life will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, where she served as a Deacon, on Saturday, April 15th at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cindy's memory may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Toms River Music Program or the Ronald McDonald House in New York City.