Cynthia Gayle Barbeau

Feb 5, 1940 - Oct 17, 2026

Cynthia Barbeau passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, surrounded by her family. The following obituary was self-written which should surprise no one who knew and loved her.

Cynthia was born on February 5, 1940 in Moline, Illinois to Karl and Jenese Nelson. She joined two older brothers and one older sister. In Illinois, the Nelson family grew until there were 11 children. In 1957 the family moved to San Mateo, California. Two more children were born in California. A family of 13 children was their normal and a great blessing as life went on. Family reunions were always something she looked forward to.

Cynthia worked at 3M Company in South Francisco. She enjoyed her single life in the Bay area.

She married the love of her life, Jim Barbeau, on October 5, 1963. They were blessed with three children: Jenny, Damon, and Laina.

Jim and Cynthia had many discussions on where to raise their young family. They studied the U.S. map and talked about this place and that place. Finally, they each wrote down their pick and they had both written Spokane, Washington. They had never been there, did not know anyone in Spokane but move they did!

Their lives were filled with love, fun, and laughter. Such an enjoyable life.

When all three kids were finally in school, Cynthia began working for Central Valley School District. She began as a playground aid at South Pines Elementary. In 1980 she was hired as a math paraprofessional. In 1983 she was transferred to Sunrise Elementary. She absolutely loved her job. Finally retired at age 78.

On December 9, 1991, Jim unexpectedly passed away leaving a hole that could never be filled. But life went on. Kids got married, had kids, and those kids had kids.

Cynthia leaves behind her three children: Jenny (Jeff), Damon (Michelle), and Laina as well as nine grandchildren: Michelle (Charley), Mallory (Justin), Taby (Ryan), Beau (Kaitlyn), Cassidy (Pat), Paige, Parker, Abby, Josie, and her five great-grandchildren: Rose, Eliza, Ryder, Raiden, and Emmy. She also leaves behind her siblings: Karl, Kaleb Lee, Catherine (Steve), Carolyn (Marv), Barbara (Rich), Mark (Marcy), Mary (Drew), Greg (Denise), Jenee (Martin), and Eric. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sisters Annie and Charlotte.

A celebration of life will be held at Thornhill Valley Chapel at 1400 S Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 on March 5, 2027 at 1:00 pm with reception immediately following. Cynthia’s family would like to invite her many cherished friends to attend and share a story of her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Imagination Library of Spokane County in memory of Cynthia Barbeau.