Article by Natalie Corcoran | Owl Staff
Cindy Conroy “was an honest, warmhearted woman who always saw the good in people and never talked bad about anyone,” remembers Louis Claypoole, who worked with Cindy in the Plant Services Department at HCC. An employee of the College for thirteen years, Cindy lost a battle with uterine cancer on June 15, 2011.
A ten-year breast cancer survivor, Cindy was also involved in student development and continuing education programs. She was honored for being the longest match in the Big Brother Program while sponsoring a young boy at the John Archer School. Cindy leaves behind a loving family, many friends, and the many people that she touched.
Linda Tabor, an Assistant Director for Human Resources and Employee Development says, “The College was deeply touched by the passing of one of our loyal employees.” Cindy loved sailing, the beach, sea glass, quilting, her job, and most importantly, her family. She is survived by a devoted husband, Jim, and two grown children, Chris and Carrie. She also has three sisters, Jenny, Kathy and Judy.
Close friends and co-workers remember Cindy fondly. Deborah LaMar expresses, “She was a very strong, courageous woman, and always had a smile for everyone. Cindy was truly a special person and anyone that met her instantly fell in love with her.” LaMar created a touching website, Cindy’s Helping Hands, which included updates, photos and a place for others to post thoughts for Cindy.
Cathy Boston, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at HCC, includes, “Cindy lit up the room with her smile and was always up for a good time, even if that was only just a quick dance break in the office to liven things up.”
“A ten-year breast cancer survivor, Cindy was also involved in student development and continuing education programs. She was honored for being the longest match in the Big Brother Program while sponsoring a young boy at the John Archer School.”
Sue Lehnerd remembers, “She loved to go tubing on Deer Creek. Cindy was always so humbled by and in awe of the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the banks and was keen at keeping it that way.”
David Dunaway remembers Cindy as, “a truly great person. She was very smart and loved to have fun.” Claypoole adds, “She helped so many people and it didn’t matter if she even knew them. At Christmas, Cindy got together with the ladies in the office and made gifts for children in the southern Appalachian Mountains.”
HCC student Amy Dykes reflects on her memories of Cindy sharing, “She had a very generous heart.” Pam Karwowski remembers something Cindy always talked about: “Jesus called all to love one another,” a reminder of how Cindy lived her life through the love, compassion, and consideration she shared for humanity.
Whether through an act of kindness, the breeze at the beach, or the twinkle from a piece of sea glass, it is clear Cindy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Patrick Xavier Ward touched many lives in his twenty-nine years. Patrick was a North Harford High School graduate, and was just one class shy of completing his degree in Mass Communications Advertising Sales when he died on August 5, 2011.
Although visually impaired, Patrick never let that hinder him. He always helped others and made many friends along the way. In addition to a brother, and an older sister, Patrick also had a younger sister.
Associate Professor of Political Science at Harford Community College, Stephanie Hallock remembers, “The semester that Patrick and his dad (a veteran) took my International Relations class together was so much fun-their competitiveness took the simulation game to a whole new level!”
Wayne Hepler, Associate Professor of Mass Communications at Harford Community College, is honored to share one of many, “Patrick moments.” Hepler shares, “Patrick was so humble and self-effacing without being a wimp. There was no joke anyone could say about his disability that he didn’t say first and better. And he was skilled. We remember him as a good camera person and a clever writer.
Hepler continues, “I particularly remember his intentionally stereotyped screenplay about a bad cop called, of course, ‘Bad Cop,’ in which a wayward cop takes what he wants from a convenience store. When the cashier takes issue with his trying to leave without payment, Bad Cop says, ‘What are you gonna do, call the cops?’ and laughs his way out the door. I am truly very sad about Patrick’s death. He was anything but disabled. He was a classic.”
In August, HCC’s Board of Trustees voted to posthumously award Patrick with his Associate’s degree.