Cynthia Ward

Cynthia Ward, 83, of Upland, passed away on January 2, 2024, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. 

Cindy was born on December 23, 1940, in Norfolk, Virginia, to parents Cecil and Mildred Westfall. Throughout Cindy’s childhood, the Westfall family moved to various places, and eventually settled in Burbank, California in 1950.  While attending Burbank High School, Cindy fell in love with her Sunday school sweetheart, Paul Eugene Ward. When Cindy was only fifteen years old, she married Paul, and they soon welcomed their first of three children. Cindy worked, took care of children, and attended all of Paul’s college games while he attended the University of Redlands. She supported Paul and his college friends by hosting and participating in study sessions.

When Paul got his first teaching job, Paul and Cindy moved to Whittier, California. Being a young mother, Cindy had a lot of energy and style. She worked several part-time jobs, including her favorite one: the Director of Cymballet, a modeling and charm school at Hinshaw’s Department Store. She also worked as a legal assistant for Bewley, Lassleben, and Miller Law Firm, which gave her the flexibility to attend her children’s sporting events and to host happy hours with her girlfriends. Eventually, Cindy got her real estate license, which suited her outgoing and helpful personality. She loved celebrating clients as they realized their dreams of homeownership.  

Cindy was known for her social calendar, which was always full. She loved to host parties, and would find any excuse for social engagements. She had a knack for entertaining and building close friendships. Golf became one of her favorite pastimes, as it combined many of her greatest strengths – socialization, organization, competitiveness, and fun. She had leadership roles in various golf organizations, and was very active in Women’s Publinks. 

Cindy fiercely loved her family. She took great joy in being a grandparent, saying her best memories were of the days her grandchildren were born. Having been an only child, she relished being surrounded by the large family she created. She took care to acknowledge each family member’s birthday with a special celebration, and loved to festively decorate for holiday gatherings (she had cocktail napkins for every occasion).  

Cindy is predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Mildred, and her husband, Paul. She is survived by her children, Robin Aspinall (Tim), Craig Ward (Evelyne), and Daryl Ward (Jennifer); grandchildren Kristen Owen (Mike), Lauren Ensberg (Larsen), Sean Aspinall, Kaela Ward, Kori Ward, Rika Higuchi, and Tristin Muth; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Owen, Miles Owen, Millie Ensberg, and Anders Ensberg.

A memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn of Covina on Friday, January 26th, at 2:30 p.m. Graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organization Cindy supported.

Cindy will be remembered for her wit, charm, and grace. She was a woman with a disciplined routine, and God help you if you interfered with it. Her lasting advice for her grandchildren: “Be good. If you can’t be good, be careful.” Cindy will be greatly missed by all who knew her.