Cynthia Swan-Smith

Cynthia Swan-Smith, 61 of Cottonwood Heights, UT passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2024.  

The announcement of her passing has left a hole in our hearts and a spark greatly diminished from our lives.

Cynthia was born on Dec 9^th, 1962, to Allen Matthew Swan and Verla Johnson Swan.

Cynthia grew up in Holladay, UT enjoying friendships, school and church.   In 1974 her dad was called to preside over the Australia West Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which gave her one of the most memorable experiences of her lifetime.   She received a first-rate education and made life-long connections with friends who had uncommon names and very diverse backgrounds.  Her memories of Australia came up in almost all future conversations, being proud to have learned the Australian dialect and the unique characteristics of life “down under”.

Upon returning to the US, she attended Olympus High and Salt Lake Community College, (earning her Associates Degree in business).  Not one to be pinned down, Cynthia moved to New York where she worked in the fashion industry at Henri Bendels on 57^th Street, (another fun memory she could celebrity name drop in casual conversations).  She loved to work and enjoyed the many friends she made at the Chalk Garden, Swinyer Dermatology, and Macy’s.  She built her long-standing career in the field of education where she worked at Brighton High School with a group of young students of whom she adored.   She developed into a strong advocate for people with special needs as well as worked as a facilitator for an LDS sponsored substance abuse group and at the Salt Lake men’s prison as a librarian.   She had great passion for bringing people together. She and her husband Chris both worked alongside people of diverse backgrounds and enjoyed the richness of those experiences, being strong advocates for those experiencing inequality or racial injustice.

Cynthia had two amazing chapters in her family & love life which were long and rewarding.  She married James Wayne Andrews in 1988 with whom she had two amazing kids; Luke Andrews and Gillian Andrews.  After several years they divorced but continued to enjoy each other’s friendship and support.

Chapter two began in 2012 with an online date that was so successful it’s endured almost 13 years.  Cynthia met and fell in love with Thomas Chris Smith of Cottonwood Heights, family man and former U football player.  They married April 26, 2020.  From that first date, Cynthia developed a love for all team sports, outdoor bbq’s, friendships with college and football friends (including Coach McBride) and a life with her amazing blended family.  She was a passionate wife, mother and grandmother, dedicating her life and energy towards creating a home atmosphere which extended to everyone; including those who lacked their own family support.

Besides family and friends, Cynthia’s more intimate soulmates were her pets.  Their names expressed their unique personalities – Amico, Quito, Ying, Yang, Sodji and CT.  The latter two are still devastated at their loss and are being looked after by their mother’s most ardent pet people. (Chris, her kids and their Aunt Annette).

She loved music, food, books, fashion, old movies, puzzles, art and orchids.   She loved to work in her garden, and in making her home beautiful through furniture refinishing and decorating.

Cynthia had an infectious smile with a huge dimple on her cheek and chin, and would always greet you with open arms and a kiss.  Her laugh and passion are unique to her; being the baby of the family and forever young.

She is preceded in death by her dad Allen.  She is survived by her husband and close companion Chris, and her loving and beautiful kids; Luke and Gillian.  She is also survived by her mother Verla, siblings Kent and wife Emily, Wayne and wife Cynthia, and soul sister Annette.

Her amazing new family consists of; mother-in-law Pauline Smith, Kids Alex and wife Tava, Amber and daughter Kaia, Edward and wife Amanda, Audrey and wife Maddison, Ashley and husband Ian, as well as 8 grandchildren (with another due in July).

We hope to remember the wonderful memories she left with us and have faith that we’ll see her again.    

Please join our family as we celebrate Cynthia’s life.  Cynthia’s Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Historic Clubhouse, 850 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT.   84102.