Gilbert, Arizona - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Cynthia Ann

Wilkinson of Gilbert, AZ, who left this world on November 16, 2024, just days before her 81st

birthday. Born in 1943, Cynthia lived a life full of love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to

her family, faith, and community.

Cynthia was a dedicated wife to her husband Gary, whom she married in 1963. She leaves

behind two children, Lisa Sampson of Phoenix, AZ and Todd (Amy) Wilkinson of Greenwood,

MN. She poured her love and energy into raising them, teaching them the values of hard work,

compassion, and community. But perhaps her greatest pride came from her five grandchildren:

Shae, Jack, Matthew, Adam, and Owen. Cynthia was a devoted grandmother who celebrated

every moment of their lives, from the everyday joys to the extraordinary accomplishments.

Cynthia was also a devoted member of her church and neighborhood, always a welcoming and

encouraging presence in her community. She was the type of person who saw a need and

immediately responded with kindness, whether it was helping with church activities or offering a

helping hand to a neighbor. Her love for her community was boundless, and she was known for

her ability to make everyone feel seen and heard.

In her spare time, Cynthia was an accomplished baker, and her kitchen was a place of warmth

and comfort, where she poured her heart into everything she made. Her baked goods, from pies

to cookies to cakes, were a symbol of her love and generosity, often shared with friends, family,

and anyone who could use a sweet treat and a kind word.

Though Cynthia experienced the profound loss of Gary in 2008, she carried on with grace,

finding joy in the simple moments and taking pride in the family and friends who surrounded

her. Her strength, resilience, and deep love for others will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Rest in peace, dear Mom. Your love and light will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be held on December 5th, 2024 at 10:30am at Desert Cross Lutheran

Church in Gilbert, with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cynthia's name

can be made to her church, Desert Cross.