Obituary of Cynthia E. Tucker

Schenectady - Cynthia Ellen Tucker, 75, passed away at Ellis Hospital, Thursday, March 16, 2017 from complications surrounding a long-term illness. Born on October 3, 1941 in New London, CT, Cindy was the oldest daughter of the late Warren and Adeline (DeMania) Sampson. The family relocated to Schenectady, N.Y. in the mid-forties where her father worked for the Schenectady Railroad Company. Cynthia was a 1959 graduate of the former Draper High School in Rotterdam, N.Y., where she excelled in academics and was both a varsity cheerleader and majorette in the marching band. Following graduation, she was employed as a telephone operator for the General Electric Co. in Schenectady for several years. She was introduced to her first husband Kenneth Ray Edgar on a blind date and a whirlwind romance ensued. The two eloped and had three children together (Warren Thomas, Amelia Susan [Amy] and Glenn Kenneth) before his untimely demise in a car accident on January 29, 1969. Edgar's death left Cynthia a widowed, stay-at-home-mom at only 27-years-of age. She was introduced to her second husband, Kenneth C. Tucker, through a mutual colleague. A recently-returned Vietnam vet, Tucker was a barber who instantly fell in love with Cindy and her three young children. The two were married and had one child together (Victoria Anne). Cynthia loved entertaining and made a huge deal of birthdays and every holiday, especially Halloween and Christmas. She invented several winning Halloween costume ideas for her children and always ensured that the house was decorated and seasonal goodies were on hand. She taught her children how to ice and roller skate, to swim and to downhill ski. They took tap and ballet lessons and learned to twirl baton. They spent summers camping on New York's Caroga Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake. They vacationed in their renovated Winnebago spending winter breaks at ski resorts or visiting her parents in Clearwater, F.L. Cynthia welcomed the neighborhood children who were constantly hanging out playing games in the family room, swimming in the backyard pool or playing sports or hide-and-seek in the yard. The kids grew to respect her, and two even lived with the family for a while when they were having troubles at home. She mentored them and taught them responsibility and lessons which they still recall today. In 1995, her daughter Amy organized a neighborhood reunion with the kids and they insisted that she pick up Cindy and bring her to the get together. They recall her with fond memories of a happy time in her life. Cynthia obtained her G.R.I. license and, together with Ken Tucker, purchased land and developed the Country Manor Mobile Home Park in Ballston Spa, N.Y. which is still thriving today. Being known as a mobile home developer was her crowning achievement in life and was even noted on her official death certificate. Her second marriage ended in divorce in 1985, and Cynthia spent the last three decades of her life living on meager means and estranged from the majority of her friends and family. Living in solitude, she continued to decorate and celebrate every holiday and became a huge N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Giants fan sporting official team clothing and collectibles. She was an avid sewer, who sewed her own clothes and was an accomplished knitter who made sweaters, ponchos, hats and mittens, afghans and dozens of area rugs. Cynthia also developed a passion for classical Operas and Native American culture, particularly the story of Kateri Tekakwitha. The large collection of Native American artifacts, articles and folklore she amassed will be donated to the National Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and Museum in Fonda, N.Y. A private person, Cynthia lived with cancer for more than three years before telling her children in January, 2017. She refused treatment and succumbed to her illness on March 16, 2017. Cynthia is predeceased by her first husband; Kenneth Ray Edgar, of Charlton, NY; her parents, Warren and Adeline (DeMania) Sampson of Clearwater, FL and her sister, Eileen Susan Meigel of Virginia Beach, VA. She is survived by her four children, Warren-Thomas Edgar Tucker of Central City, CO; Amelia-Susan Edgar Tucker of Amsterdam, NY; Glenn Kenneth (Dina) Edgar of Missouri City, TX and Victoria Anne Glasser of Boston, MA; her niece and namesake, Cynthia Anne Giaminelli Meigel and her brother-in-law, David Meigel, both of Virginia Beach; her former husband, Kenneth Charles (Patsy) Tucker, of Canada Lake, NY; sister-in-law, Carol Kniskern of Scotia, NY; and four nephews Sam (Alice) Ostrowski, Ira (Erin) Ostrowski, Ron (Tina) Kniskern and Paul Douglas (Pam) Kniskern. She was also blessed with two beautiful and independent granddaughters, Zoja Alexandria Ruean Ulesoo and Grace Isabella Ulesoo both of Austin, TX along with dozens of nieces, nephews and relatives across Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 28 at 9 a.m. at St. Luke's Church, 1241 State Street, Schenectady, with Fr. Dominic Isopo celebrating. A brief graveside service will follow at Memory Gardens. Arrangements are being thoughtfully handled by Brian Lansley at Jones Funeral Home, Schenectady. In honor of Cynthia's passion for Native American Culture, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the National Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and mailed to 3628 State Highway 5, Fonda, N.Y. 12068.