Cynthia W. Kuusisto
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Published in Daily Hampshire Gazette on May 24, 2024
Amherst, MA – Cynthia Walker Kuusisto (Cindy) passed away on May 20th, 2024. She was born January 2nd, 1951 as the only child of Maynard and Katherine (Galvin) Walker. She attended a three-room schoolhouse prior to graduating from Stevens High School (Claremont, NH) in 1969.
She attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences in 1973. She subsequently obtained her MSW in 1981 at the University of Connecticut. Cindy spent five years as an ombudsman at Springfield Health Center and Resident Services Coordinator at Applewood for seven years. After then spending the majority of her career as a medical social worker she retired from Baystate Medical Center. She considered it a privilege and honor to work with patients and their families during some of their most difficult times.
Cindy met John Kuusisto at UNH and they were married in 1973. They have three sons: Alan and wife Michel Ryan of Sunderland; Peter of Pelham; and Colin and partner Morgan Taggart-Hampton of New Hampton, New Hampshire. She has three beloved grandchildren: Isabella Vassallo, Matthew Vassallo, and Sean Kuusisto, all of Sunderland. She and her family have lived in Amherst and Pelham since 1978. She also spent over 60 years enjoying summers at the family cottage on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire.
She has been a longtime member of First Congregational Church in Amherst where she has been involved in numerous activities. She served on the Mission Ministry Team for 30 years, as Chair of the Cranberry Fair, on the Prior Leadership Council, and was a longtime member of the choir.
Cindy was an avid reader who participated in the monthly Pelham Library Book Club for several years. She enjoyed piano playing since her elementary school years and continued to play for her own enjoyment.
Cindy would like to thank the Red Tray Team for their friendship and care. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Compassionate Care ALS of West Falmouth (CCALS.org). A memorial service will be held on June 8th at First Congregational Church in Amherst.
