Cynthia Alston

  Cynthia E (Gaines) Alston, 75, of Fleming Island, Florida, departed this life on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the home where she and her husband, Sam retired to, after living over 40 years in Springfield, Massachusetts.

  After graduating from Far Rockaway High School in Queens, New York, in 1967 she was accepted into Kings County Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in March, 1970.  Six months later she received her license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse from the State of New York.  She went on to attend City College of New York and received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1974 followed by receiving her Master of Art degree from Hunter College in 1978.

  Cynthia's ambition, and desire to make a difference continued when she attended the University of Connecticut and received her prescriptive authority certification in Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.  In 2002 she attended Havard Medical School and received her certification in Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.  In 2016 she received her certification in Psychopharmacology – A Master Class.  Cynthia continued to renew her Board Certification title of Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

  Cynthia dedicated over 48 years in the medical field in New York City, Springfield, MA, and Hartford, CT to helping others.  Sharing her time providing her expertise in 25 years at Hartford Hospital, Institute of Living before retiring in 2008.  Upon retiring she continued to work in Psychiatry as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Gandara Mental Health Center in Springfield.  She partnered with her husband, Sam, working in private practice taking care of hundreds of clients until she fully retired in 2018.

  Throughout her life Cynthia enjoyed traveling and reading.  Cynthia lived a life of ambition for herself, a dedication of love to family, and friends, including all who sought her assistance, counsel, and help.  Cyn loved every chance to be among family and friends, always reaching out to receive all who sought to be around her.  Along with her husband, Sam and son, Randy; with open arms for relatives from both sides of their marriage eager to participate, and to be a part of family events and always looking to contribute love, warmth, and unity.  For many years she served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 35 at Wesley United Methodist Church.

  Cynthia is survived by her husband, Samuel and son, Randolph “Randy” Alston;  her sister, Victoria Nortez;  brothers, Juanito and Armando Nortez;  in-laws, Carolyn White, Oren Jamison, and Walter Alston;  niece, Kristina Carter;  nephews, Chantel, and Armando Jr.;  and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins from around the Country.

The wake is 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 741 State Street, Springfield, MA. followed by funeral services at 11.

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