Cynthia Lynette Spain Ezekiel

Born on April 18, 1957, in Bridgeport, CT, she was raised in Marina Village on the south end of Bridgeport where she and her sisters were part of a close-knit multinational community. She attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Bassick High School followed by taking business classes at Housatonic Community College. Later in life she made the move out west with her family, relocating to Chandler, AZ in 1997, and spending the last few years of her life in Mesa, AZ.

Growing up, Cynthia and her sisters had friends from cultures all over the world and were raised by a village of caring family, friends and neighbors. She held fond memories of walking to Seaside Park to sit by the water, breathe in the crisp ocean air and watch the clammers get clams.

Cynthia was especially proud of the fact that she began a new life for herself and her children as a single mother. She became completely independent, started a career in sales and bought her first home (with a pool!), all on her own. She was also very proud of her children and to have raised a great man in her son who served in the military and became a thoughtful, loving father; her late daughter with whom she shared a special relationship; and her step-daughter who herself became an amazing mother.

Perpetually non-judgmental, Cynthia embraced and accepted people as they were, a trait which made her a particularly wonderful friend to all. Her likability, compassion and natural charm meant she had countless friends — all of whom would do anything for her.

Cynthia had a quick, infectious laugh, a pretty smile and kind eyes. Witty and lighthearted, she’d turn funny moments with friends and family into endless inside jokes.

She loved dancing to the Temptations and Motown, jazz and blues. She also enjoyed live music, eating seafood, crocheting for her grandbabies and traveling. A whiz in the kitchen, everyone eagerly looked forward to her mac and cheese and stuffing on special occasions … even if it took a little longer to prepare than they’d like.

Easy to talk to and a beacon of wise advice, Cynthia would have long conversations with her son, Dion. The two were protective of one another and took great pleasure in time spent together.

Cynthia was also a caregiver at heart; her daughter-in-law remembers a time when she fell ill with pneumonia and Cynthia showered her with tender loving care. Cynthia adored spending time with her family and grandkids, cherishing every precious moment.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Adriana Ezekiel, her father Clarence Spain, and her nephews Marcus Austin and Jaymar Spain. Losing Adriana was very difficult for Cynthia, but her family takes comfort in the fact that the two are reunited at last.

She is survived by her son, Dion Anderson and his wife Elisha Anderson; their six children: Monica Hoff (Andrew), Jasmine, Caleb, Seth, Mikayla (with whom she had a special spiritual connection) and Miles; her step-daughter Patrice Jackson (Martin) and their four children, Jayden, Brielle, Grayson and Melody; and her great-grandson Casey. She is also survived by her mother Florada Diggs, her sisters Hilda Austin and Melinda Spain, her nieces Kira Austin, Brandi Beavers (Vincent), Lindaysha Spain and nephew Jonathan Spain and numerous great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Countless friends and family members will miss Cynthia’s bright spirit and warm nature. In the words of Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”