CYNTHIA F. BLAIZES
THE WOMAN…THE LEGACY
Cynthia Francesca Blaizes was born to her late parents Ida Blaizes and Cleveland F. Blaizes on December 30th 1940 in El Chorillo, calle 27, Panamá, La República de Panamá.
She would be the beginning of her parents’ legacy…
Cynthia attended the República de El Salvador School in Panamá before she moved to the United States to join her parents. At the time she was only fluent in Spanish. However, she was resolute in her determination to master the English Language with the same eloquence she spoke Spanish. She completed her advanced studies at Pace University.
The Cynthia F. Blaizes Foundation - Supporting the Elderly…Preserving Legacies!
Her academic brilliance extended far beyond the classroom as she became the first Afro-Latina to hold the position of head teller at Manufacturers Hanover Trust. She would later become a Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield, spearheading and overseeing the implementation of their COBRA Insurance program.
From her bedroom, the vibrant melodies of Calypso tunes like "Tiny Winey," the soulful hymns of Mahalia Jackson, and the rhythmic notes of Celia Cruz resonated, transitioning seamlessly to the serene harmonies of Andrea Bocelli. Cynthia's musical preferences beautifully mirrored her multifaceted personality: a blend of sweetness and spiciness. She was a woman known for her integrity and honesty (if she thought it, you would know it) but with a heart that welcomed all who crossed her path.
Cynthia embodied a sense of comfort and familiarity. Her spirit was contagious, and in her presence, the room became infused with a welcoming energy that enticed you to linger indefinitely.
She had defied death on multiple occasions—surviving the attack on The World Trade Center, battling cancer, and enduring numerous ailments. We wholeheartedly attribute her prolonged life to her unwaveringly positive outlook, her remarkable sense of humor, and her boundless goodwill.
Cynthia dedicated herself to the well-being of everyone within her inner and outer circle, exemplifying the true essence of selflessness. It's safe to say that her love language was Gifts and Acts of Service, a profound expression of care that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had an innate desire and ability to give, even if it meant she would have to go without.
Cynthia had a deep passion for looking her best, exemplifying not only fashion but also style. Quality was her guiding principle. If she adorned it, you could be certain it was top-notch. If she gifted it to you, rest assured it was the finest. That could be from cashew nuts to a pocket book.
In the kitchen, she could often be found adding her unique twist to traditional Panamanian dishes, such as ; sous, coconut rice and peas, and her renowned salt fish, stuffed king fish and fish cake. Each mouthwatering creation was a heartfelt expression of her love. Her culinary creations were savored by the numerous family and friends she delighted in hosting and catering to, both at her family home on 89 Saratoga Ave and her personal residence at 77 Jamal Dr. in Middletown, NY.
As Cynthia aged, she experienced a sense of burden, a tinge of loneliness, and a feeling of being undervalued. Despite her earlier genuine acts of kindness, she found herself lacking support when she needed it the most. During her time at the rehabilitation center where she spent her last days, she noticed a decline in visits, and she lost the ability to engage in activities she once loved and connect with others regularly.
Recognizing the challenges faced by aging loved ones, including feelings of loneliness and depression exacerbated by the natural aging process, which often leads to a decline in memory and cognitive function, the Cynthia F. Blaizes Foundation was established. Her experience brought awareness to the need for a more comprehensive approach to caring for our aging loved ones. An approach that does more than the basic administering of medication and baths. We aim to address these issues by providing skilled companionship, implementing memory-boosting exercises, social activities and activities that help them understand and remember their value as a person has not diminished. Through these efforts, we seek to cultivate a sense of love and nurture for the delicate minds of our elders.
