Cynthia Baran

She was a reporter, editorial writer, Wallingford bureau chief and Shoreline bureau chief at the New Haven Register

for 38 years. Her favorite beat was covering courts in New Haven for several years. She was brilliant and an equal to the high profile lawyers and judges she covered. Her opinions based on facts were strong and clear, a trait that served her well as an editorial writer. Others will think of her as the Shoreline bureau chief, who encouraged her staff to laugh and enjoy their jobs as well as work hard at them. Her first newspaper job was at the Naugatuck News. She attended Southern Connecticut State University.

She was born January 6, 1947 at Waterbury Hospital. Her parents were the late August and Marguerite Gueron Baran. Survivors are Joseph M. Wicklow IV of Killingworth, whom she raised and loved like a son; her aunts Elizabeth Maknis of Middlebury and Marie (Lolly) Moorfoot of Waterbury; and Lolly's twin Uncle William Baranauskas of Fairbanks, Alaska, Uncle Jacques Gueron and Aunt Simone Gueron of Nice, France, several cousins; many good friends and her dog Sashie who has been adopted by her friend Pam Barna.

She loved animals. She was as much fun as she was modest. She collected an eclectic group of friends, who did not always agree with each other, but to whom she was devoted and who were devoted to her. She never held a grudge and was always sympathetic.

She and her friend Margaret (Peggy) Schenk of Chester had a quilting business. They specialized in whimsical “I Spy" quilts for babies and toddlers. Cindy embroidered into them rhymes and poems inspired by the fabrics. Besides sewing she loved to watch movies and read.

The twinkle in her eyes and her quick wit will be missed. Bingo games in her home and her quirky prizes will be fondly remembered.

She surrounded herself with colorful things often picked up at the Estuary Council of Seniors Center thrift shop, where she was a volunteer. She also loved shopping at Christmas bazaars. She planned theme birthday parties for some of her closest friends. For instance she participated in the poka-dot party for Jeanne Scranton Lloyd.

Swan's Funeral Home at 80 East Main St., Clinton is in charge of the funeral arrangements. There will be no calling hours Friday morning. Burial will be private at Evergreen Cemetery on Greenhill Road, Killingworth. Please visit www.swanfh.com for online tributes and condolences.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Strong House, 546 Durham Road, Madison, CT 06443. It is a nonprofit adult day care center, where Cindy volunteered. Cindy loved and appreciated working with the elderly.