Cynthia
Ann (Smith, Shepard) DeBenedetto, 68, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and
formerly of South Burlington, Vt., passed away unexpectedly on May
16, 2025. Cindy was born on August 23, 1956, to her beloved parents,
Neil and Barbara Shepard of Colchester, Vt. She lived in Vermont
before relocating to Florida in 2000.
The
love of her life was her devoted husband, Joseph DeBenedetto. Their
19 years of marriage were filled with joy, laughter and unwavering
companionship. Joe was her greatest comfort and friend.
Cindy
will be remembered for her boundless creativity, her passion for
life, and her kind and generous spirit. A successful businesswoman,
she also found deep joy in painting and in spending time with her
husband and family. Her warmth and laughter were a comfort to all who
knew her. She will be missed more than words can express. She was
loved deeply by many.
Her
legacy lives on in the hearts of those who survive her, including her
two children, Adam Smith and Melissa Gebo; sister, Sharon Shepard
(James Rinderle); and brothers-in-law Ben DeBenedetto (Adriana) and
Steven DeBenedetto (Suzanne). She also leaves behind six beloved
grandchildren — Anthony Towsley (Mariah Gutkopf), Chelsea Roy,
Brayden Roy, Destiny Gebo, Macy Smith and Porter Smith — and one
cherished great-grandchild, Sidney Towsley. Her nieces and nephews
include Amanda and Allyson Rinderle, Ryan Shepard, Steven T. and
Nicholas DeBenedetto, Kevin Lewis, and Melanie, Karen, and Ellen
(LePage).
She
was predeceased by her beloved brother, Brian Shepard, and her first
husband, Scott D. Smith, with whom she shared many happy years.
A
celebration of life mass will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, 11
a.m., at Holy Cross Church, 416 Church Rd., Colchester, VT.