Cynthia Gwendoline Smiddy

After leading a full and carefree life of 86 years, Cynthia Gwendoline Smiddy passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, May 4, 2021.  Affectionately known as “Nana,” she was considered a surrogate grandmother to many.

Born in Bhusawal, Maharashtra, India 25 November 1934, she eventually made Virginia her family home and recently moved to Spotsylvania County.  Raised in India, she lived a very simple lifestyle until meeting the love of her life, then young Marine Sergeant Joe Smiddy serving on Embassy duty.  After marrying, Cindy legally immigrated to the United States and over time studied for and passed her citizenship exam fully immersing in American culture and language as a U.S. Citizen.

An exceptional wife and mother, she was devoted to her husband Joe and family; she deeply cared about her family, neighbors, and family friends – not out of obligation but rather who she was.  She always ensured a meal was prepared and a place to rest your head available throughout Joe’s active duty years and well after his retirement from the Marines.  As her grandson’s entered the Naval Academy, Cindy provided sanctuary and a place for the holidays for Naval Academy midshipmen, Officer Candidates, and The Basic School Second Lieutenants.  

Cindy was a self-taught milliner and seamstress where she believed in perfect, pretty stitches.  She loved to sew for others making beautiful ball gowns and wedding dresses; she also sewed and made alterations for Marines.  An avid golfer, she was the Ladies Champion at the Quantico Medal of Honor Golf Course several years running, performed duties as Course Marshall and Starter.  Probably best remembered on the course for her golf integrity, she was known to dress down club throwing golfers and never afraid to call out a General Officer’s use of their foot wedge to improve a golf ball lie.  Off the course, caregivers, doctors, beauticians and friends remember her as a gifted story teller whose limericks (both appropriate and inappropriate) would brighten everyone’s day.

Cindy is survived by her son, Joe Jr (Valeri) of Raleigh, NC; daughters Jane Sokoloski (Gary) of Fredericksburg, and Helen Dill of Fredericksburg; her grandchildren, Nicole Kidwell (Brian Hudson) of Manassas, Allison Morin (Mike) of Fredericksburg, Christopher Sokoloski (Terri Piekosz) of Jacksonville, NC, Patrick Sokoloski of Pensacola, FL, Ashley Dill of Montross and Fiona Smiddy of Raleigh.  Cindy was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Blake, Paityn, and Kye Morin, Gabriel Kidwell, Braden Harrison, and Ryleigh and Bryant Williams.  She is survived by her siblings George Hall of Widnes, England, Priscilla Hall of Milton Keynes, England, and Jim Hall of Milton Keynes, England.

Cindy was able to remain in her home until the end thanks to her devoted and loving caregivers and her daughter Jane.  The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to her loving, dedicated, and patient caregiver, Nicquan Smith who made her laugh, talked her ear off, and endured countless hours watching NCIS. 

Cindy was predeceased by her parents Clement and Josephine Hall and siblings Mary Sanders and Ingrid Hall.  Her husband, First Sergeant Joseph P. Smiddy, USMC (Ret) pre-deceased her by 22 years during which time not a day went by that she didn’t wish to be by his side.  She now reunites with the love of her life.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Information will be provided once scheduled.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Semper Fi Fund.