Cynthia Melissa Devore

Cynthia is survived by her husband Stephen of 46 years, her two sons Stephen and Edmond, daughter-in-law Gladys, and two granddaughters Karalynn and Penelope. She will be deeply missed.

Cynthia was born on July 1, 1954 to Betty Jean Tryon and Ervin Weihert in Lynwood, California. She was later adopted by Betty’s second husband, Edmond Dean Dvorak, in 1958. She was the oldest of two. Her brother Delbert “Delby” passed just before his 21rst birthday due to medical complications with Spina bifida.

My mother met Stephen Joseph Devore Jr in the fall of 1972. She was playing cards with friends. My mother knew from the moment she saw my dad (had not met him yet) that she was going to marry him. It was love at first sight. On February 9, 1974 Stephen and Cynthia married at St. John the Baptist in Baldwin Park, California.

On June 6, 1977 Cynthia gave birth to her first born, Stephen Joseph Devore III who shares his name with his father and grandfather.

On May 4, 1979 Steve and Cindy celebrated the birth of their second son, Edmond Delbert Devore; who’s name comes from her step-father and grandfather.

Cindy was a loving mother who worked hard to support her family. She worked as a teacher for the Pomona Unified School District. In 1989, as a full-time teacher and mother Cynthia was able to graduate from Cal Poly Pomona with a Master’s in Special Education.

In 1994 my mother’s life was changed forever. She was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY). The body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. My mother was no longer able to continue her career as a school teacher and had to turn her efforts towards her own physical therapy.

In 2007 Cynthia gained a daughter when her oldest married Gladys. The two shared a close relationship as mother and daughter-in-law. Gladys and Stevie have two children, Karalynn and Penelope. Cindy loved being a grandmother. She often spoiled her granddaughters.

Throughout her life Cynthia, my mom, was a caring and thoughtful daughter, wife, mother, friend, and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and especially looked forward to parties and gatherings. She could usually be found as part of the planning committee. I fondly recall our New Year’s Eve parties when growing up. She was a loving wife who would make sure my dad went to work with a nicely packed lunch every day. His hobbies became her own as she learned to love trains and the outdoors with him. As a mother she would always work hard. These things varied from getting her degree by completing night school to meeting my dad in the Big Bear Mountains with my brother and I. It wasn’t unusual for us to arrive before my dad and setup the camp site. He would join us after he left for work. As we got older things changed, especially after Guillain-Barre syndrome. My moms’ huge heart and thoughtfulness did not. She still hosted parties whenever she could. She loved hosting her granddaughter’s parties and helping plan the ones that she was not hosting. She enjoyed having her annual cookie party. She loved the details of the planning. The table settings had to always be just right. Most of all my mom loved being a grandmother. She was proud of her granddaughters. She knew exactly how to spoil them and they loved it. She would make them small hand-soap and hide Hatchimals (small toy) inside. They always got a Halloween and Easter Basket. She loved to spoil them on Christmas. My mom gave the best hugs as well. You could feel her love for you when she hugged you.