Cynthia Garland

Cynthia Ann Garland, beloved wife of David Thomas Garland and mother of Cristina Ruth and Jeanette Emily passed on Sunday, January 29^th 2023 in her home town of Charlevoix, Michigan. Born on August 1, 1941 eldest daughter of Ruth Ann Beford and Franklin Curtis and sister to Franklyn (Corky) Curtis, she graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1959. Cynthia left Charlevoix to further her education at the University of Michigan earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Returning home for summer break, she met the man she would marry and be her partner of fifty-nine years at a beach party on Lake Michigan, where he was spending summer as a camp counselor.

After they married, David and Cynthia moved to Saline, Michigan where Cynthia taught first through sixth grade. They then started their family with their first daughter Cristina in 1969 and their second daughter Jeanette in 1972. Cynthia retired from teaching to concentrate on raising their two daughters. She spent many years heavily involved with them playing piano as part of the youth choir at the Saline Presbyterian Church. She spent time tutoring them and others, attended countless recitals, lessons, sporting events and her cinnamon rolls were coveted at every bake sale.

In 1997 she and David retired to her childhood home in Charlevoix, where she was an active member of the Charlevoix Garden Club, Historical Society and First Congregational Church. She loved animals of all kinds and knew each dog in the neighborhood. She was known to carry dog treats just in case she came across one.

For the last decade of her life, Cynthia was happiest spending time in her quilting room, in her garden, or most especially on her porch making friends with every type of four-legged creature imaginable.

She is survived by her husband David, her daughter Cristina, spouse Kevin and grandson Quinn, daughter Jeanette, and her cat B.C. (black cat). She is additionally survived by her sister-in-law Joanne Curtis, nephew Scott Curtis, spouse Robin and their children, Hannah, Taylor and Gavin.

There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix. Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.