Cindy Susanne Zappone, May 22, 1956, Spokane, Wa - December 4, 2023, Leesburg, VA

In her loving daughter's arms, Cindy was escorted by angels to her heavenly family on December 4, 2023.  In her short 67 years, Cindy's life was filled with love, devotion, purpose, and grace.  Number 5 of 7 children to Jack and Lucile Zappone in Spokane, Washington, Cindy secured her spot easily within the large family by her warmth, infectious smile, and laughter. She attended St. Aloysius grade school, Holy Names Academy, and Eastern Washington University. Growing up she was one of four Zappone children who swam for the Spokane Swim Team. This year-round sport, often with twice daily practices instilled discipline, work ethic, and a love for physical fitness. Cindy was the fastest female freestyle sprinter for the team - as the relay anchor she ensured victory!

She found her best friend in her sister, Bette, who was her confidant and mischievous cohort. This everlasting sisterly bond stayed true despite Bette's passing in 1985.  Cindy channeled her gift for creativity in poetry, art, painting, and beautiful letters she wrote to her family and friends. Music flowed through Cindy's blood, she never passed up an opportunity to sing, dance, or attend a concert. Her sense of adventure was fulfilled when she earned her "wings" as an American Airlines flight attendant.  The bases she flew out of were; Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. She met wonderful, lifelong friends in her 40 year career. Although always eager to make work fun, she was quick to remind people that being a flight attendant was serious business and keeping passengers safe was her most important job. It so happens that her training and quick action during a mid-flight emergency saved a man's life as her CPR skills allowed him to stay alive until they could land the plane and transfer him to the hospital. With great sadness Cindy lost 6 friends on flight #77 during the 9/11 hijacking and crash into the Pentagon. She would often talk fondly about them to keep their memory alive.

We're not sure how she found the time, but Cindy loved to volunteer. Over the years, she was a fierce LGBTQIA+ advocate. During the AIDS crisis she lost dear friends to the disease. Later she would go on to volunteer at the Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. She focused on the AIDS wing in the hospital. Many of these children had no one else in their lives giving them physical touch, so Cindy made a point to hug each and every one of them. After her parents passed away from Alzheimer's, Cindy took it upon herself to volunteer with Capital Caring Hospice. It was her way of processing her own grief and helping others at the end of their journey. Cindy loved hearing their stories. She always had the best listening ears.

Her greatest GIFT and PASSION was being a MOM to her adored daughter, Alexandra Lillian "Bunny Nose". Cindy's devotion to her daughter was an example to all. Her world revolved around the upbringing of Alex, so much so that she would "bid" her schedule around Alex's activities making sure she was present as her "biggest fan" for dance recitals, school events, high school dances, and holidays. She shared her motherly love with Alex's best friend, Casey Stiegmann, who became an honorary daughter! Casey helped move Cindy and Alex in 2007 and the rest is history. The Stiegmann family welcomed both Cindy and Alex into many holiday traditions over the years, including their beloved beach house in Laguna Beach, Florida. Cindy's devotion of love was modeled in a magnificently selfless way that formed the same seed to grow within Alex.  Alex returned the love and emulated her mother by taking care of Cindy during her 6 year illness. Alex answered this call without hesitation or fear and provided the same security to her mom that her mom had given her.

Cindy made her "dash" count - all the years between birth and death were lived to the fullest. She possessed a youthful spirit throughout her life seeking new things, experiences, and people she readily accepted and welcomed into her life.

On behalf of Alex, we wish to thank Lansdowne Heights where Cindy resided in the last years of her life. There is no better place she could have been entrusted to, please accept our sincerest appreciation for the loving, respectful care. Thank you also to Denise from Capital Caring Hospice for her devotion and care of Cindy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Jack and Lucile, brother, Joe, and sisters, Jeanne, Marceen, and Bette. Surviving family; her daughter, Alexandra, sisters, Peggy, Julie, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donation to Lansdowne Heights Memory Care Facility of Leesburg (contact her daughter for more information 703-786-3548). Please join Alex, family and friends at Cindy's Celebration of Life on January 20, 2024 at 4:00pm, Walsh Family Wine, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville, Virginia. At a later date, Cindy will return home and be interred next to Bette and her family at Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane, Washington.