Cynthia Jean (James) Lambert

Our beloved mother, Cynthia Jean James Lambert passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Cambridge, MA at the age of 76.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend.

Cindy was born on September 26, 1946 in San Rafael, CA to Leonard Edwin James and Mary Beth Stewart James and grew up in Springville, UT with her sisters Patricia and Debbie. She had a wonderful childhood, memories of which she would relate to family and friends, none more so than those of summer family trips to the mountains around Jackson Hole. Such trips helped instill an appreciation for the beauty of nature which she loved to share, especially with her children.

Cindy obtained a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University and  a Masters degree from University of Utah.  She taught for several years in the Salt Lake City area, while enjoying her free time doing activities she loved such as skiing, traveling to places like Europe and Hawaii with friends, and volunteering.

Cindy married T. Allen Lambert on August 29, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple and moved with him to Ithaca, NY.  She was a proud mother to their children Enoch Allen and Sara Jean, and devoted her life to loving, educating, and supporting them in all of their endeavors.  She also touched and shaped the lives of countless children as she continued her career as an elementary school teacher for 35+ years.

In her retirement, Cindy delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, filling their libraries with books and spending countless hours reading to them, always a teacher at heart. She also pursued her love of travel as she was able. She supported Allen through his struggle with cancer, and death in 2013.  Despite many significant health struggles, including a debilitating stroke 3 years ago, she faced her challenges with dignity and grace, wasting no time in making the most of her new circumstances, always greeting friends and family with her unquenchably cheery disposition, and striving to help others beyond her limitations.

Cindy will be remembered for her touching kindness and compassion, and her loving soul.  She never carried ill will toward anyone, and assumed the best of those around her; she was remarkably thoughtful in her interactions with everyone she encountered.  To know Cindy was to love her, and to feel her warmth and unconditional love.  She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her faith guided her life, influencing her daily actions.  It brings us relief to know she is free from her health issues and we envision joyful reunions with so many of her beloved family members who have passed on before her.  She will be missed dearly.

Cindy is survived by her children and their spouses: Enoch Lambert and Tallulah Knopp, Sara and Kevin Riley; 5 beloved grandchildren, Simone and Eliana Lambert and Austin, Emmy, and Jack Riley; sisters Pat Hall, Debbie Stephenson, many brothers & sister-in-law, and other extended family.

Services will be held Saturday February 11th at 11:00 am at the LDS meetinghouse at 245 S. 600 E. Springville, UT.  Viewings will be held Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville, as well as one hour prior to the service at the Chapel where the service will be held.  A celebration of her life will also be held in Ithaca, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Cindy would love for you to sit and read with a child in your life, or donate in her honor to the Family Reading Partnership at http://familyreading.org .

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the Services HERE