Cynthia Joan SanbornCynthia Joan Sanborn, age 88, and a resident of Westfield, passed away at Maple Park Village in Westfield on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at 7:50 p.m. She was previously a resident of Winona Lake and of St. Clair Shores, Mich.
Born on June 26, 1931, she was the only daughter of the late Gustave Andrew Stralnic and Helen Fancsal Stralnic. She was a graduate of Milan High School near Ypsilanti, Mich., and later completed her college education at Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a master’s degree.
Cynthia was an educator by trade who cared deeply for children. She taught first grade at Romeo Community Schools for nearly 20 years and later volunteered at Jefferson Elementary School in Winona Lake. She and her husband both enjoyed the outdoors - backpacking and camping across rural Michigan and Canada for weeks at a time. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a certified master gardener, an amazing cook and had a strong love for Christ. She was previously a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and of Bethany Baptist Church in Mount Clemens where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also known for her love of music, having sung in the church’s choir and even taught music early in her career.
On Aug. 21, 1954, Cynthia was married to the late David George Sanborn. His 2009 passing marked nearly 55 years of marriage for the pair.
Surviving are their four children: Nancy Kilpatrick, who currently serves on the mission field in Uganda; Beth Sanborn, of Farmington Hills, Mich.; David (Cathy) Sanborn, of Ocala, Fla.; and Dr. Tim (Ruth) Sanborn, of Indianapolis; five grandsons: Benjamin Sanborn, of Indianapolis; Michael Sanborn, of Indianapolis; Joel (Stacey) Kilpatrick, of South Lyon, Mich.; Dr. Daniel (Laura) Kilpatrick, of Columbia, S.C.; Andrew Kilpatrick, of Portsmouth, N.H.; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother, Gustave George Stralnic, and his wife, Betty.
Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was trusted with the care of Cynthia Sanborn for whom a Life Celebration® will be planned at a later date.
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Memorials to United World Mission United World Mission, PO Box 602002, Charlotte, NC 28260-2002.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
