Cynthia J. Himes

Cynthia Jane McCauley Himes, 84, of Summerville, passed away at her home surrounded by members of her devoted family on Monday, June 14, 2010. She was born May 22, 1926, the youngest child of the late Charles A. and Olive Melzer McCauley. She graduated from Marion Center High School, Marion Center, PA. Cynthia married Robert L. Himes on April 10, 1947, who survives. She was well known for her wit, loyalty, and keen intelligence. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother as well as being a favorite aunt to many of her nieces and nephews. She always made each of her many visitors feel welcome. Cynthia was strong as steel and fierce as a lioness when it came to protecting her own; by example she taught us all what family means. She had the knack of making each of her seven children, fifteen grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and twenty six great grandchildren feel like each one was her favorite. Two more great grandchildren are expected in the next few months. She fought valiantly to hang on to make her acquaintance. During WWII she worked as a telephone operator and drove a milk delivery truck. In the early to mid 1970’s she worked at Owens Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion; she also worked at The 76 Truck Stop as a waitress in the late 1970’s. One night as a man from the trucker’s section paid his bill, he said, “I suppose you’ll want my autograph.” She asked, “And why would I want your autograph?” He replied, “I’m Tom T. Hall.” She retorted, “And I’m Cynthia J. Himes!” The next night she laughed when she saw the egotistical signer on TV. Such was her sense of humor. To know her was to love her; she will be greatly missed. Cynthia was always an avid reader. She is survived by three daughters and three sons, Cheryl Bazzoui (Dr. Widad) of Bradford; Sue Monrean (John) of Brookville; and Linda Rhoades (Woody) of Elkridge, MD; Mike Himes (Sandi); Kevin Himes (Pam); and Doug Himes (Dorothy), all of Greenville, TX; two brothers, Charles McCauley (Romaine) of New Bethlehem; Elmer McCauley (June) of New Bethlehem; and two sisters, Nellie Kirkpatrick (the late Paul) of Sligo; and Carolyn White (the late Harris) of Punxsutawney. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren, Shiela Fox Cleveland of Treasure Lake; Brad Monrean (Stephanie) of Brookville; Sam Fox (Gina) of St. Mary’s; Ben Monrean (Erin) of Corsica; Heidi Himes of Wolfe City, TX; Steve Fox (Suzie) of Jamestown, NY; Joe Himes (Tammi) of Campbell, TX; Craig Himes (Tammy) of Greenville, TX; Bob Monrean of Brookville; Jennifer Rhoades Fleischer (Corey) of Baltimore, MD; Melissa Himes Fox (Dr. James) of Dallas, TX; James Himes with the US Guard, Norfolk, VA; Kevin Jay Himes of Summerville; and Sara Jane and Hannah Himes of Greenville, TX. And six step-grandchildren, Reem Bazzoui of Basel, Switzerland; Ban Bazzoui of York; Andy Rimon (Elizabeth) with the US Coast Guard, Wilmington, NC; Sara Michelle Garrity Anderson (Dave) of Gaylord, MI; Mike Garrity of Fort Worth, TX; and Emily Eye of Dallas, TX. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert R. Himes, age 15 in July 1970; and two brothers, J. Eugene McCauley (the late Verna); and Bill McCauley (the late Ruth). The arrangements are under the direction of the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at the Leatherwood Church in New Bethlehem at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to any public library, the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive Pittsburgh PA 15205; Aseracare Hospice, 231 Allegheny Blvd Suite B Brookville PA 15825; or the Leatherwood Church, 889 Church Road New Bethlehem PA 16242.

Cynthia J. Himes

May 22, 1926 - June 14, 2010