Cynthia Ferland Welch

Cindy was an avid knitter, crafter and reader. If she wasn't at home, she could usually be found in one of her two favorite places -- Barnes & Noble or the Rumford Public Library.

Born in Waterville, ME, to Lucille & Reginald Ferland, she was a graduate of Mount Merici Academy and St. Joseph's College. She taught elementary school in the Waterville area before moving to Mexico when she married William "Bill" Welch in 1972. Cindy later returned to teaching at Meroby Elementary School, where she worked for more than 30 years as a Chapter One reading specialist. She loved teaching, and often organized book clubs for her students outside of the classroom to reinforce joy in reading.

Cindy enjoyed travel, and she and her family frequently traveled to Boston and other cities while her daughters were young. Cindy also traveled to Ireland, France, and Scotland with Bill, where they became friends with like-minded travelers. In recent years, she made trips to Quebec, St. John (New Brunswick), Acadia National Park, and Newport, RI, with family.

Cindy was predeceased by her husband Bill, who passed in 2015.

Cindy is survived by two daughters, Amy Welch (Chris Whissen) of Pittsburgh, PA; and Sara Klingener (Shawn) of Maynard, MA; and three grandchildren, Ben & Hannah Klingener, and Ciaran Whissen.

In Cindy's memory, donations to the Rumford Public Library or your local public library are suggested in lieu of flowers. A graveside service will be planned for spring 2022.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com

Arrangements are with S G Thibault Funeral Home, 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford.