Cynthia Jean Allen

Cynthia Allen

On August 11th, 2023, Cynthia Jean Allen passed away peacefully with her life partner James Troke by her side. She will be remembered for her hearty laugh, engaging smile, and courageous heart. She was born on July 21st, 1957, to Harold Allen and Marguerite (MacLean) Allen in Providence, Rhode Island. She lived her young life in East Greenwich, RI and spent each summer with family and friends in Cape Dauphin, Cape Breton. After studying piano performance at Ithaca College in New York and London, England, she moved back to Providence and worked at the Mirium Hospital. She then moved to Toronto with her former husband Donald Campbell, where her only daughter Alison was born. Cindy finally settled in Big Bras d’Or amongst family and friends, on a house on a hill with a beautiful view of Kelly’s Mountain and the Bras d’Or Lake.

Cindy was an accomplished musician who mentored many aspiring pianists during her years as co-owner of Take Note Music School in Sydney. Not only did she play piano, but she was also a skilled singer and occasional accordion player too. She performed at numerous concerts, ceilidhs, benefits, and kitchen parties. She was a cast member of The Cape Breton Summertime Review, Cape Breton Gold, and Spirit of the Island. Her commanding stage presence and confidence was unrivaled. Other musical credits include the popular band Hell’s Belles, as well as performing as a duo with her sister Shelley. They would go on to record a traditional album entitled ‘Celtic Hearts’ which undoubtedly holds a special place in her loved one’s hearts. Cindy also contributed to many recording sessions with various artists from all over the island. The United Heritage Church in Sydney was grateful to have her as their Musical Director.

Cindy spent many happy hours on the wharf at Kelly’s Cove with her family and lifelong friends. Book club, movie nights, ladies’ lunches, and having family gatherings were all favourite pastimes of hers. She was a longtime volunteer for the Big Wave festival and for Celtic Colours. She loved a glass of red wine and a good debate.

Her granddaughter, Annika, was a blessing, and the light of her life. Annika will miss her visits to Grandma’s house, which usually involved freezies, homemade mac and cheese, and sometimes duets with Annika on Melodeon and Grandma on piano. Cindy leaves behind her partner, James, daughter Alison (Robert), granddaughter Annika, sister and best friend Shelley (Blair), nephew Malcolm (Lacey), grandniece Charlie, grandnephew Amos, as well as numerous cousins, friends, and colleagues.

 Visitation for Cindy will be held at JM Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A celebration of life ceremony is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund or the Ally Centre of Cape Breton. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com

“So dry away your tears now, souls go on forever

And maybe we will meet again when you become stardust too” – Shay Healy