Cynthia Louise Blumenthal

Cynthia Louise Blumenthal
February 14, 1947 – May 19, 2026

Cynthia Louise Blumenthal, 79, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Cynthia was born on Valentine’s Day, 1947, to Angeline and Francis Clausen. She grew up in Skyway, Washington, where her childhood was filled with adventures barrel racing her beloved horse, Chita. She fondly remembered riding Chita—whom she lovingly referred to as her "first bike"—to local stores to buy sweet treats. A devout Catholic, Cynthia graduated from Immaculate High School in 1965 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Seattle University with high honors. Over the years, she completed numerous teaching and education certificates to further support her lifelong passion for teaching. She was also a talented, creative painter who loved painting on canvas.

In 1967, at the age of 20, Cynthia met the love of her life, Martin "Marty" Blumenthal. They were wed on June 14, 1969, at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. Together, they built a life of deep devotion. Marty performed in several country bands through the years as a lead guitarist and vocalist, including “The Country Misfits.” Cynthia loved going to all his gigs, watching him play and sing while she danced the night away. She also loved going fishing with him on Lake Washington to catch steelhead. Because Marty was legally blind, Cynthia was the ultimate teammate—running the household, grocery shopping, tilling their garden, and driving her husband and four children everywhere they needed to go.

In Renton, where they raised their family, Cynthia’s radical hospitality was legendary. Every Thanksgiving, she invited lonely individuals she saw on the side of the road to join the family table, creating unforgettable holiday memories. Her home was always open, whether she was running an in-home daycare, welcoming foster children, or taking in nieces and nephews in times of need.

A lifelong educator and caregiver, Cynthia worked as a dedicated special education teacher in the Renton school district for many years and was highlighted in several news articles as a loving, nurturing person who was truly one of a kind. Many nights at home, her students would call the house, and she would spend as much time as they wanted chatting. Cynthia also supported Marty’s business ventures, including "United Handicapped Sales" and “Northwest Weaving Looms.” She later worked at Green Earth and the Whole Foods nutrition store in Gig Harbor. Her vast knowledge of supplements and natural foods allowed her to help countless people. She retired at age 66 but never stopped caring for others—regularly tutoring her grandsons, nursing sick wildlife back to health, and tending to her farm animals. Her boundless capacity to care was most profoundly shown when she became the primary caregiver for her eldest daughter, Corina, throughout her battle with brain cancer until her passing in 2017.

Cynthia was a picture of perfection and style. Every single day, whether leaving the house or staying home, she got "all dolled up" with everything matching beautifully.

From her hair clips and jewelry down to her socks, she was a picture of elegance, frequently drawing compliments from strangers. She loved listening to the oldies, cutting a rug, and telling creative stories.

In 2009, Cynthia and Marty moved to Gig Harbor to be closer to their daughters, where they became active members of St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Cynthia lost her cherished husband of 48 years in 2018. When Marty passed, Cynthia wrote that their love was "an eternal love all the way with total respect." Today, her family takes immense comfort knowing she has been greeted in heaven by God, Marty, and their beloved daughter, Corina.

When anyone spoke to or about Cynthia, they would always use the words “sweet” or “she’s an angel.” She was loved by all and will be missed deeply.

Cynthia is survived by her devoted children: Gwen Myers (Brad), Carrie Cilinceon (Roger), and Gabe Blumenthal (Tracy); her sister, Rochelle; her adored grandsons, Odin, Cyrus, Drake, Martin, Logan, and Maverick; and her only granddaughter, Addyson, all of whom she endlessly bragged about.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Martin; her daughter, Corina Blumenthal; her brother, Jan Heaton; and her grandson, Noah Blumenthal.