Obituary of Cynthia D Darbasie

Cynthia Darbasie, born March 7, 1928, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 96. Cynthia was predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel, who died in 1993, and her eldest son, Farley, a retired Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army, who passed on August 11, 2024.

Cynthia's legacy lives on through her daughter, Dr. Dianne Darbasie, and her son, Curtis. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Jenee and cherished granddaughter Allison Danielle. Her extended family, including many relatives in Trinidad, Canada, England and Costa Rica, also mourns her passing.

Born in Couva, Trinidad, Cynthia dedicated decades of her life to teaching before immigrating to New York City in 1969. Her arrival in the United States coincided with the New York Mets' historic championship win, sparking a lifelong devotion to the team in the absence of cricket's popularity.

Determined to continue her passion for teaching, Cynthia met the challenge of replicating her teaching certification in the U.S. She graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. and earned a Master’s in Education from the City University of New York, while working full-time and raising her family. As a dedicated educator, Cynthia taught 3rd grade in upper Manhattan at PS 189 and PS 128, where she was adored by students and frequently visited by those whose lives she had touched.

Faith played an integral role in Cynthia's life. She was a devout Roman Catholic, worshiping at The Church of St. Elizabeth in Washington Heights, warmly welcoming newcomers to the parish. Her participation in the church included roles of teaching Catechism, lector responsibilities and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass. Her pilgrimages included the countries of Israel, Greece and Turkey (Journey of St Paul), France (Lourdes), Portugal (Fatima) and Spain (Santiago de Compostela). One of her most treasured memories was a visit to the Vatican and Assisi in Italy in her late 80s, accompanied by her daughter. Cynthia maintained close ties with her diocese's clergy and dedicated much of her time to supporting St. Elizabeth School.

Her zest for travel included riding in gondolas in Venice, a submarine exploration in Aruba, parasailing in the Dominican Republic and walking on Alaska’s glaciers. She was adventurous.

A lover of music, Cynthia found joy in singing and playing the piano, filling her home with melodies that welcomed neighbors and friends. Her apartment door was always open to anyone who wished to join in the music, dancing and laughter. She was dedicated to the arts, frequently attending classical music concerts, the opera and ballet at Lincoln Center and sharing these experiences with many friends as guests.

She was baker! A cake was made for every special occasion of family and friends. Her signature Caribbean Black Cake was mailed to many during the holidays. Holidays always required spare chairs for many guests that she loved to feed.

Cynthia Darbasie's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and students will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

A Burial Service for Cynthia will be conducted by Reverend Ambiorix Rodriguez, Tues 12/31/2024 at 10AM at St Elizabeth’s Church, 268 Wadsworth Ave, New York, NY 10033

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the School of St Elizabeth and note Education Fund in memory of Cynthia:

https://stelizabethnyc.org/pago/