Cynthia Ruth McCormick Williams passed away on November 22, 2019, surrounded by the abiding love of family and dear friends following a year-long illness. Born in Austin, Texas, on September 26, 1955, to Carlos and Mercedes McCormick. Cynthia spent her early childhood in Tucson, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Returning with her family to Arizona in 1966, she attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and Xavier High School in Phoenix. Upon graduating from high school in 1973, Cynthia matriculated at Wellesley College in Massachusetts where she was elected College Government President and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics in 1977. Returning to Washington, D.C., that autumn, she enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center where she received her Juris Doctorate in 1980. While studying law, Cynthia served as a staff assistant on the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary for U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini, and as a staff assistant to Ambassador Esteban E. Torres in the White House Office of Hispanic Affairs during U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
In 1981, Cynthia joined the Arizona law firm founded by her grandfather, civil rights attorney and diplomat Ralph C. Estrada. During her years of active practice, Cynthia was appointed by Governor Bruce Babbitt to the Arizona Dental Board and was appointed by Mayor Terry Goddard to the City of Phoenix Housing Commission where she served as Chairperson. Throughout her life, she remained an ardent supporter of both local and national progressive political causes, social service institutions, and civil rights and civil liberty organizations.
Cynthia’s happiest times were spent with her family and dearest friends. She was an extraordinarily generous, compassionate, and loving soul. She cherished family time with husband Guy and the light of her life, daughter Ciera Riley. Throughout her journey, Cynthia joyfully and unreservedly shared her most meaningful triumphs while safeguarding her loved ones from life’s most difficult and challenging experiences. Her elegant, magnanimous, resilient, and poetic nature imparts us with everlasting inspiration to try harder, do better, and never, ever give up.
Cynthia is survived by her husband, Guy, daughter Ciera Riley, stepdaughters Vaun, Anna, and Mary, stepsons, Mark, Paul (Abbie), and Daniel, nine grandchildren, mother Mercedes McCormick, sisters Ruby and Camille McCormick, and brother J.C. McCormick. She is lovingly remembered by her aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse and Barbara Casso of Santa Barbara, California, and Phoenicians Mrs. Josephine Austin, Mr. R. George Estrada, and Mr. and Mrs. Carlos and Margie Estrada, plus many, many cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Ralph and Ruby Estrada and James and Ruth McCormick.
A Rosary is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Saint Mary’s Basilica, 231 North Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. In lieu of flowers, please consider charitable contributions to: The Congressman Ed Pastor Memorial Fund, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 405B, Phoenix, AZ 85016; The Society of St. Vincent De Paul, 420 W. Watkins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85003 and; Saint Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Mercy McCormick
My Dearest Cynthia,
I miss you and my life will not be the same without you. You were my first and are part of my heart and soul. I will love you forever. You will always be my beautiful Snow White.
Love you,
M
Marilyn Westbrook
Forever in our hearts, rest in peace.
Vaun Williams
Mother Dearest,
You have taught me so many lessons that I have and will continue to carry with me for the rest of my life. You taught me to never give up on my dreams and to be the best that I can. I will miss you dearly and think of you all the time. As you would always say to me, “smile one for me”. For that, I will do so on a daily basis. I love you so very much and will miss you.
Love always, Vaun
Steve G
My deepest condolences to the whole family. Cynthia was one of the nicest persons I’ve ever met. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all of her loved ones. Rest In Peace, Cynthia.
Betty OMelia
Cynthia was a beautiful soul filled with love, compassion and generosity. She was smart, and a great wife and mother. She will be truly missed. Rest In Peace Cynthia
Rachel
Cynthia will forever be my “other mom.” She was so very generous to me teaching me to help others when I can, make memories every chance I get, and always put misfit friends of your kids’ needs first. I will never forget all of the kind things Both Cynthia and Guy did for me. I am a better person because of it. I will continue to hear her voice in the background and give all I can give to help those in need. I love you Cynthia and will never ever forget you❤️
Ruby McCormick
My Dearest Tinny,
Already, I am at a loss without you. You were my best friend and lifesaver. Your unending love and support guided me through my life. You will forever be in my heart and soul.
Smile once for me, Cyn. I love you always and forever..
Always love,
Ruby Caprice
Andrea Estrada
You are the best Godmother anyone could ask for! You have always been an inspiration and taught me to always aim for goals and be an independent woman. I will forever miss you!!
Roxie Lopez and George Crow
Cynthia’s bright shining star will always be in our hearts. Our condolences to all whom she shared her bright light.
Shawna Estrada
My beautiful Cynthia, words cannot describe my love for you and my sorrow. Cynthia was the most giving, caring and thoughtful person I have ever known, No one can ever compare to Cyn. She was loved by everyone. Cynthia was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, godmother, cousin and a friend to all. If you needed help or advice or just wanted to talk about any situation, the 1st person I would call is Cynthia. Cyn, You are in my heart and my soul always and forever Until we meet again… Love, Chanel (Shawna)
Paul Williams
I have so many grateful memories of you. Your wisdom and guidance bestowed on me I continue to lean on to this day. Your leadership and professionalism I’ll always try to emulate. Your patience and unconditional love are incredible to me.
Thank you for the laughter, the smiles, and the quick-witted remarks. Thank you for raising me and my siblings and for making us all better people. I’ll miss so many things about you and do already. But mostly, I’ll miss your Big Heart.
Continue to watch over us all until we meet again.
I love you-
Mercy Valencia
Dearest Cynthia, you are in our hearts forever and your beautiful loving smile is etched in our memories of you.
Armando Ruiz
Condolences to the entire family. Our prayers are with you.
Jackie Solares
Cynthia,
Thank you for your friendship . You are a remarkable, wonderful, beautiful soul. We will meet again . You will be missed here on earth but not forgotten. I love you and God loves you even more. J.
Diane Rosenbaum
To Cindy’s family
I was Cindy’s roommate during sophomore year of college. Though we had been out of touch for many years, I just thought about her and looked her up online only to discover that she had recently passed away. I am shocked and so sorry to learn of her passing. I will always remember the fun times we shared together in our college room, which was a gathering place on our floor. She was warm and loving with a great sense of humor and never took things other than politics too seriously. I will always remember my trip to Arizona to visit with the McCormicks, who welcomed me with such hospitality and generosity. She was always devoted to her family, who were equally devoted to her. We shared our respective cultures with each other, and she taught me how to make enchiladas, a big deal fora 19-year-old Jewish Midwesterner.
I hope you are comforted by your good memories of times shared together and supported by the love of family and friends during this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doran Burrell
Cynthia, Cynthia
I’ve thought of you thru the years. I’m not surprised at the warm thoughts and condolences in your memory. Too young to go; and I can’t see you again in this life. I remember fondly your warmth and graciousness ( and intelligence and sharp wit) and that of your mom and sister(s). Tandem bike rides and your warm lovely family. I am sad.
Cecilia Conrad
I was at Wellesley with Cynthia and admired her generous spirit, her confidence and her willingness to stand up for right. I had not been in touch with her since College and decided to try and reconnect. Alas, I am too late.
My condolences to her family.