Cynthia Ann Pardi

Cynthia Ann (Boyd) Pardi, affectionately known as Cindy, passed away peacefully at a care facility in Woodland Hills on June 21, 2024. Cindy was born to Velma Clark on July 28, 1941, in Newark, NJ. She grew up in a vibrant Italian community where she learned to cook incredible Italian meals, delighting anyone fortunate enough to dine with her.

Cindy graduated from Sacred Heart High School before enrolling in nursing school. During her nursing career, she met Richard Pardi, a young Army 1st Lieutenant and Paratrooper who had returned from overseas. Cindy was assigned as his enema nurse, and they instantly fell in love. Their love story spanned nearly 62 years, a journey Cindy often attributed to her initial impression: "I liked what I saw."

On June 30, 1962, Cindy married Richard A. Pardi. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Richard Jr., who tragically passed away within four months due to a birth defect. Cindy's unwavering love for her husband led her to shield him from their son's prognosis, preserving his hope. When Richard fell apart after their loss, Cindy selflessly put aside her grief to support and revive him. They were later blessed with four more children: Larry in 1964, Erin shortly after, and Wayne in 1967. Their family was complete with their youngest, David, in 1974.

In 1969, Richard's job took the family to Woodland Hills, CA, where they settled into the home they still cherish. Cindy and Richard started a group called Marriage Encounter, seeking approval from then-Los Angeles diocesan Cardinal, Timothy Manning, to incorporate these trainings into the diocese. They collaborated with Father Paddy Colleran, a young Irish priest, to establish Marriage Encounter in Los Angeles. This endeavor led them to travel worldwide and even coordinate a pilgrimage to Rome in 1975.

Cindy's dedication to her faith extended to Just Faith, and she was a committed volunteer at St. Mel Parish. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector and was active in various charitable activities, including feeding and housing the homeless. Cindy also shared her expertise in relationship counseling, always driven by her motto: "Eight hours of work for pay and eight hours of work for Jesus."

Once her children were in school, Cindy returned to nursing at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital, providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients. In the 1980s, Cindy joined the Army Reserves as a 1st Lieutenant, RN, serving in the Medical Corps for four years. Always a lifelong learner, Cindy later pursued a degree in IT, which she used to create medical charting systems and safeguard networks at the Motion Picture Hospital for Y2K.

After retiring, Cindy and Richard traveled extensively, exploring all seven continents. Her notable travels included the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and trips to China, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, England, and Italy. Cindy's adventurous spirit and bright smile made her friends wherever she went. She was known for her loyalty, love, and vibrant personality.

Cindy is survived by the love of her life for 62 years, Richard; her brothers Glenn Clark and Kenneth Clark; her children Larry Pardi (Sue), Erin Pardi, Wayne Pardi (Julie), and David Pardi (Yumiko); and her grandchildren Johnny Bender, Zena Zaleski, Nate Bills, Ian Zaleski, Kyle Pardi, Ryan Pardi, and Chelsea Pardi. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Sabastian Bender and Brooks Bills.

A celebration of Cindy's life will be held on Friday, June 28th, with a funeral mass and viewing at 2:00 PM, St. Mel Parish, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities in Cindy's honor.

Cindy will be remembered as a beautiful, driven, intelligent, and strong-willed woman who was deeply loved and admired by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to be part of her remarkable life.