Cynthia Marie Figgins

An angel on Earth claimed her wings when lifetime Walla Walla resident Cynthia “Cyndi” Marie Figgins of 221 Lodge Drive passed away at Providence St. Mary Medical Center on July 17, 2015. Born Aug. 11, 1962, Miss Figgins was profoundly afflicted with Down syndrome. She had many health challenges and remarkably she faced all of them with great resilience. She surprised many with her successful returns to good health and her relative longevity.

Miss Figgins attended Jefferson Elementary School and for 10 years was in teacher Mary Lassa’s “Seguin Angels” special education class. She found it easy to smile and laugh, and like many Down individuals, was very affectionate and loving. She loved social interactions and was very responsive to music. She gave her family a special perspective on life and was the pride and joy of her mother, who cared for her well into her eighties, until her own health began to fail. Most recently, Miss Figgins was cared for by the staff members of Alternative Residential Services, whom she loved immensely for their constant presence in her life.

Miss Figgins was baptized at St. Francis of Assisi Church and was the goddaughter of Rachel and Joseph Locati, her now-deceased aunt and uncle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Berle and Virginia (Leonetti) Figgins; by her sister, Cheryl (and husband Adrian) Chenault; and by her brother, Timothy Figgins. She is survived by her brothers, Gary (and wife Nancy) Figgins, Gordon Figgins, and Berle (and wife Julie) Figgins, Jr.; and by her sisters, Linda Gayton and Laurie (and husband Robert) Boldman.

A private burial service is planned for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens with Father David Gaines officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society through the funeral home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.