Lawrence, Cyndy

December 1974 – May 2024

Cyndy (Cynthia) Lawrence, born December 18, 1974, in Toronto, passed away peacefully at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, BC on May 12, 2024 with her partner Chris O’Gorman by her side.

Cyndy leaves behind her loving parents Martha (Magee) Lawrence of Collingwood, Ontario, father Dr. Larry Lawrence, and stepmother Michelle Lawrence of Guelph, Ontario, as well as her siblings Nanteza (Gordon Kemp) of Collingwood, Ontario, and Jeffrey (Diane Buxton) of Pemberton, BC, and her beloved nephews and nieces Orion, Lilah, Rozlyn, Jackson, and Ryder.

“Cynz” will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her extended family – the members of the Magee and Lawrence clans.

Cyndy’s parents, siblings, partner, and closest friends had the privilege of being by Cyndy’s side in her final days of her journey. They will forever be grateful to all those who provided support, care, therapies, and meals during her illness. It was Cyndy’s wish to have a gathering to celebrate her life before passing, and in April, with the help of her sister Teza, brother Jeff, and amazing friends, a “Love Bomb Bash” was held. More than a hundred people gathered to see Cyndy and to share their stories and memories, raise a glass and sing her anthem: If You Want To Sing Out: Sing Out by Cat Stevens. It was a powerful, spiritual, and extraordinary way to honour Cyndy and for her to express her appreciation and love to her community and circle of friends.

Cyndy earned a degree in Women’s Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. She supported herself for a number of years as a tree planter and made life-long friends during that time. After moving to Nelson, she worked as part of a team providing personal care in the home. She volunteered for a number of years as a counselor at the Options for Sexual Health clinic. In 2023 she received her diploma in Craniosacral Therapy. Cyndy has always been a caregiver and a healer, and many have benefited from her treatments.

Cyndy’s lifelong passion for skiing began when she strapped on skis for the first time at the age of five. She moved to Nelson in 2002 to make a life for herself that allowed her to pursue that passion at White Water. According to her ski buddies Cyndy had “a smooth, easy style of skiing”, “a beautiful stance”, and “was a devil on the mountain” and “preferred the more challenging, powdery and treed runs”.

Cyndy was a force of nature. She was a strong and fiercely independent woman. She was a hard worker and fun-loving.  She loved her little yellow house, her garden, hiking, canoeing, a glass of white wine at the “Dam Inn”, crystals, skating on black ice, journaling, cats, and dogs.

Cyndy had a big heart, an old soul, and a forthright personality. She was a loyal, loving, and devoted friend and partner. She was, and will forever be, a beloved daughter and sister. She will be profoundly missed.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kevin McKechnie and the incredible staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital, the palliative care team at Nelson and District Hospice Society, the Red Cross Society of Nelson and the oncology team in Kelowna for their outstanding care, compassion and support.

A private Memorial Service will be held by the family at a later date.

Donations in Cyndy’s name to the Nelson and District Hospice Society and the Kootenay Lake Hospital would be greatly appreciated.