Cynthia Rae Birrell Thorpe passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021 following a hard fought battle with cancer. She faced this final challenge the same way she confronted other trials throughout her life – with strength, determination, and courage.
Cindy was born on September 28, 1970 in Logan, Utah and came to her parents, Richard and Dorothy Birrell, when she was nine months old, bringing lots of love and joy. Cindy attended Olympus High School and the University of Utah, participating in a wide range of activities. She
married Christopher Thorpe on March 14, 1991 and they had two sons, Taylor and Ashton. Christopher passed away on November 30, 1997. Cindy remarried in 2005 and had a third son, Corbin Crusan, who was born in 2007. Corbin was a source of light, laughter, and love to Cindy and all those who knew him. Cindy was a patient and nurturing mother to Corbin and was determined to help Corbin experience as much of life as his disabilities would allow before he passed away on August 16, 2018. Cindy is now reunited with Corbin in what was no doubt a glorious reunion.
Cindy married Shelly Ainsworth on December 31, 2017, and Shelly has been a loving and dedicated companion and caregiver through these past years of cancer treatment, sharing many adventures with Cindy.
Cindy possessed amazing artistic and creative abilities, from drawing and painting to writing, singing and arranging flowers for countless weddings, funerals and other events. Cindy also loved traveling, attending Broadway musicals, and having new adventures (like skydiving!). Cindy’s affectionate, engaging, and open demeanor helped her develop friendships from around the world and from all walks of life. Cindy’s skills with and love for children, the disabled, and the disadvantaged led her to many different careers, including teaching deaf and blind students and counseling children. With her empathetic nature and generous heart she was a blessing in the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
Cindy is survived by her wife Shelly, children Taylor and Ashton, father Richard, brothers Kenneth (Melinda) and Douglas (Heather), and nieces Eliza, Emily, and Savannah. She is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy, her husband Christopher and her son Corbin. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 22 at 12:00 p.m. at the East Mill Creek 9th Ward, 3750 South Hillside Lane, where family and friends may visit Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. as well as 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City.