Cynthia Elaine Hustad was born August 26, 1948, at St. Peter’s Hospital to Faith Thurston Embrey and Wallace Harold Hustad. Cyndy was predeceased by Brother Harold Austin Hustad and her parents.
Cyndy attended Helena schools starting with Mrs. Perry’s kindergarten and finishing with Helena Sr. High School, graduating in 1966.
Those activities which enriched her life as a youth were: Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, Honor Society, Spanish Club Ballet and violin Lessons, Future Teachers of America (FTA) Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Job’s Daughters, and softball.
As an adult she attended Montana State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1970. During college she participated in SPURS, Student Education Association (SEA), Kappa Delta Sorority and played volleyball vicariously. When able, she attended the Episcopal Church, attending Sunday School, choir practices, serving as a reader and working at the Bargain Basement. She also enjoyed helping with the Christmas bazar and the Mother’s Day Tea. Reading was a lifelong interest particularly romances, mysteries, and crime novels along with magazines about crafts and cooking. During the last years of her life, she enjoyed books on tape and the companionship of friends reading to her. She joined the Fortnightly Book Club many years ago and has enjoyed the members and the meetings.
While in Great Falls teaching, she was a National Education Association representative, served as a member, and President, of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA). At the same time, she was a volunteer and executive board member of the Great Falls Crisis and Information Center, belonged to Olive Chapter #10 Order of the Eastern Star as well as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher’s honorary society. Her time was mostly spent on school, preparing lesson plans, worksheets, and other school activities. Cyndy shared that the most rewarding part of teaching was watching the light bulb go on when her students were learning to read. She really enjoyed her teaching experiences.
After 19 years of teaching, Cyndy worked for Albertsons bakeries starting in 1990. The work was fun but hard; packaging products, keeping the shelves filled, taking orders. It was a great bunch to work with and quite a change from teaching.
Cyndy had more ideas than time. She loved to sew, knit, embroidery and make ornaments or decorations for craft fairs. She also loved to cook and rented booths at several craft fairs. Although her handyman skills were limited, she did most of the interior wallpapering and painting in her homes. Gardening was also a fun past time.
During the time away from school, Cyndy started seeing a special man, Gary Delano. Gary was a retired widower. They spent 14 special years together, traveling, playing golf and Keno. Gary’s family was especially good to Cyndy.
After selling her family home, and with the help of several friends, she moved into Touchmark of Helena and lived there until the time of her death on May 1, 2023. She considered Touchmark her home and had many friends and caregivers there who became her family. She was loved.
Throughout her life, Cyndy felt a personal responsibility to contribute to many non-profit organizations, especially those supporting children and their education. If you wish to contribute to one of her preferred charities, please consider: CASA, Florence Crittenton Home, The Helena Education Foundation, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Reading is Fundamental, Family Promise, Camp Mak-A-Dream or Special Olympics of Montana.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Touchmark on Saddle Dr. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena.
Darlene Scott says
Cyndy, My Friend, you were always such a special person. It was a pleasure being your friend in High School. I always enjoyed having dinner with you and your beautiful Mom. Our lives went in different directions, as we aged, but it was a delight when you came back to Helena, and I got to see you at the bakery. I am so saddened that you have left us, but I know you have a special place saved for you up there. May you RIP.
Darlene
Karen Hustad Martinson says
Cynthia’s life and our lives were intertwined because we are cousins. Her handsome Hustad face reminds us of the relationship we share. Our fathers were brothers; Wallace was Cyndy’s father and Grant was our father. They were the youngest of the five boys, with four sisters sprinkled into the family of Grandmother Emma and Grandfather Lars Peter Hustad who separately emigrated from Norway in the mid 1800’s. This was our shared family history.
We didn’t see each other often, only several times when our families would travel back and forth between Minnesota and Helena. We are honored to call Cyndy our cousin. Her life was dedicated to those around her, filled with commitment
and service. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by many.
We’ll look forward to seeing you again, Cyndy. Cousins: Karen, Carol, Cathy and Janis
Jack Hustad says
We were cousins, Our fathers, Wallace and Ferd, were brothers. You were born just as I was leaving Helena for college. Our paths didn’t cross often after that. It We is heartwarming to read of your gracious activities which blessed so many. Your outgoing spirit and warm hospitality were a joy to us when we visited you in your home. Our next reunion will be joyous.
Cousin Jack and Helen Hustad
Roxianne Verworn says
I had the pleasure of working with Cyndy at Albertson’s for a number of years. The bakery was right next door to the office and many treasured friendships grew. I always loved having lunch or dinner with ‘the girls’ on our days off. I was blown away when I found out she was seeing one of my buddies, whom I had worked with at the State, dear Gary. Helena is such a small town. Cyndy and Gary are back together. I miss you both and always will until we meet again. Rest in peace my friend. You are dearly missed!
Stoney says
The Carlson Family in Helena were blessed to have Cyndy in their lives, too. Always gracious & kind and a w/ a mischevious side,too. And she was there for us in our tragic loss of son. Keith .
Her parents and the senior Carlsons ,Ole and Tommie had fun times together. And Cyndy shared her Educator experience with all. RIP dear Cyndy with others all gone on now , but we’re assured will be there to welcome Cyndy home w/ Gary. Our sympathies for your loss to Gary’s family & the cousins. Carol & Carl
Sally Nyland says
To the family of Cynthia,
I did not have a lot of interaction with Cyndy over the years after we graduated. I can tell you that she was a kind and friendly person. Know that my thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace my classmate and friend.