Lucinda Alice, Mary, Mable, Theresa “Cindy” Wakeman (Tousignant) died unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by her family at home in Beaver Dams, N.Y., on October 17. She was 71. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
Cindy was born August 5, 1950, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She is predeceased by her parents, Noble Joseph Tousignant and Lucille Cornish.
Cindy graduated from Watkins Glen High School in Watkins Glen, N.Y., in 1969, and graduated from nursing school in the same year. She was a self-taught computer expert and Braille translator who worked as a nurse, waitress, Braille translator and chatroom monitor. Cindy was most recently employed at the local KOA as a reservationist. Her most important job, though, was always Mom — to so many, even those who were not of her own biological and adopted brood.
Despite suffering with systemic lupus most of her life, Cindy was a brilliant and independent woman who embraced new interests until she mastered them completely. Her hobbies included reading, ceramics, painting, creative writing, poetry, jewelry making, photoshop art, fish tanks, gardening and music (she even sang in a band in high school). She was an active member of a local adoption support group and championed universal adoption rights for children and their parents.
Cindy is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years David Wakeman and their children: Christian Wakeman (Bernette), Carnesville, Ga.; Daneda Westfall (Michael), Geneva, N.Y.; Sean Wakeman (Megan), Penn Yan, N.Y.; Robert Wakeman (Elizabeth), Concord, N.C.; Alaina Wakeman, Elmira, N.Y.; Meghan Wakeman (fiancé Joe Grey), Lanesville, Ind.; Serena Wakeman, Elmira, N.Y.; Jeffrey Wakeman, Beaver Dams, N.Y.; Mackenzie Wakeman, Campbell, N.Y.; Danica Wakeman, Beaver Dams, N.Y.; Samuel Wakeman, Beaver Dams, N.Y.; and Elijah Wakeman, Beaver Dams, N.Y. Cindy also had eight grandchildren — Symeon, Dorothee, Tianna, Tyler, Hunter, Tristan, Jolene and Caleb — and two great grandchildren, Paisley and Tyler.
In addition, Cindy is survived by siblings Marjorie Tracy-Selters (Henry), Albuquerque, N.M.; Vivian Hartford (Fred, deceased), Ruther Glen, Va.; James Tousignant (Alicia), El Paso, Texas; Laura Pastore, Catharine, N.Y.; Timothy (Emily, deceased) Tousignant, Canton, Mich.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, many of whom reside in Canada.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 2:30 pm, her husband, David A. Wakeman officiating. Immediately following, friends are invited to call from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the funeral home.
Donations in Cindy's name may be made to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption by visiting: www.https://support.davethomasfoundation.org or to Pancreatic Cancer Research at www:https://lustgarten.org.