Cynthia May Botwood

Cynthia May Botwood passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023 in Vernon, BC. Cynthia was predeceased in 2009 by her husband Ron of 61 years and her sister Rita in 2003. She is survived by her only son John and his wife Shauna, and four grandchildren Scott & Jade, Reid, Brett and Zoë; sister Delia Robinson of England, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Cynthia was born February 24, 1926 in Northampton, England; the eldest daughter of Alfred and Violet White. When she was two her father died of TB and Cynthia and her mother lived with her Grandma. Her mother later married Ernie Tallett and in 1931 her sister Rita was born; followed by Delia in 1943.

Cynthia left school at 14 and took a job for 12 months at the John Lewis Shoe factory. At 15 Cynthia started working at Adnitts department store as a window display apprentice. She worked there for two years until she joined the land army in 1943 where she worked on a dairy farm for 3 1/2 years. After the war ended Cynthia returned to work at Adnitts where her creativity and love of fashion thrived.

In 1946 Cynthia met Ron at a dance. They were engaged on her 21st birthday and married March 6, 1948. Cynthia and Ron made their home in a village called Roade near Northampton. Cynthia enjoyed many crafts and hobbies; being captain of the lawn bowling club and a member of the WI for 50 years. Cynthia retired from Adnitts as chief display adviser in 1959 and in 1964 their long awaited son John arrived completing their family. Cynthia was a wonderful loving and caring mother. When John was in his teens she went back to work at the doctors surgery where she worked for 10 years before retiring.

In August 2005 Ron and Cynthia made the big move to immigrate to Vernon. Cynthia soon made Vernon home; getting involved in the community and making many new friends. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up and with her kind, happy, generous spirit she was loved as “Nanny” by many.

In 2008 Cynthia made her choice to serve God which brought her great joy and peace. As she expressed, “I’m thankful I found the truth, it helped me a lot. God knows my heart, I did my best.” During her last days, there were numerous expressions of her love and thankfulness.

A Memorial Service will be held March 3, 2023 at 2pm at the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home.