Cynthia Yasinski Tenner

Cynthia (“Cindy”) Yasinski Tenner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and colleague, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 65. She died after a long and courageous battle with the late effects of radiation treatment she received at age 19 for Hodgkin’s disease—an experience that shaped her health journey but never defined her. Cindy lived with extraordinary dignity, resilience, and grace, quietly teaching those around her how to persevere, how to love, and how to live fully.

Cynthia was born on September 3, 1959, in Perryville, Maryland, to Pauline Wood Yasinski and William Arnold Yasinski. Her father worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and his career took the family to many parts of the country. Throughout her childhood, she moved frequently—living in Tupper Lake, NY; Bedford, MA; Jefferson County, KY; Brooklyn, NY; and White River Junction, VT. Each of these places left its mark, contributing to her adaptability, empathy, and rich understanding of people and place. Navigating life with three older brothers, Arnie, Andy, and Jimmy, also gave her the courage and steadfastness to deal with any challenge she faced.

Cindy pursued her undergraduate education at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Her time at Middlebury was transformative—both academically and personally, as it was where she met the love of her life, Jim Tenner. Cindy and Jim first connected in 1977, and their friendship was the foundation of their lifelong romance. They studied side by side—Jim often helping Cindy with economics, while she returned the favor in literature. Their partnership was marked by mutual support, shared laughter, and quiet understanding. They married in August 1982 in a lakeside ceremony at the Lake Morey Inn in Vermont, surrounded by family and friends. Their honeymoon took them to Maine and London, and those early adventures laid the foundation for a lifetime of travel, discovery, and joy.

After graduation, Cindy began her career at Manufacturers Hanover. New York drew them closer—a tiny apartment with a galley kitchen, crowded subway rides pressed side by side, and nightly walks hand in hand along Second Avenue. Their next chapter brought them to Clifton, NJ, where acorns fell like drumbeats on the roof of their first house. Eventually, they moved to Westfield, NJ, into a home that initially gave Cindy pause. A tired exterior and a hole in the ceiling didn’t inspire confidence. Jim persuaded her to take a closer look. They bought the house, and created a place where their children—Karen and Daniel—would spend their early years. There was a swing in the backyard, a little purple car that zipped down the driveway, and the hum of a family in motion. In 1993, the family relocated to Concord, Massachusetts. Concord became her heart’s home, a town where she nurtured her children, built deep community ties, and flourished as a person.

Cindy infused daily life with meaning. She woke up early every school day to bake fresh muffins. As the kids headed out the door, she sent them off with a tender mantra: “A smile for your face, a smile for your heart, and a smile for your friends.” Cindy and Jim also built cherished, lasting memories with family and friends at their home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

Cindy believed in teaching the kids about the world. Together they explored Europe and South America—France, Italy, Belgium, England, and Brazil. A Murano glass chandelier hangs in their New Hampshire home, a treasure from one of many international trips.

Her dedication extended beyond her own family. Cindy served as president of the middle school Parent Teacher Group, where her calm leadership, inclusiveness, and reliability made her a trusted presence. She joined a group of neighborhood women who ran together early in the morning, even in the snow. These pre-dawn runs were not only about fitness—they reflected Cindy’s resilience, her commitment to community, and her belief in showing up for others.

Cindy poured herself into motherhood. She never missed a school conference, game, or recital. Her presence was a steady current—unwavering, calm, and full of grace. She listened deeply, offered honest advice, and created space for her children to grow into themselves. She modeled resilience, kindness, and a deep sense of personal integrity. As her family expanded, Cindy welcomed her daughter-in-law, Anna Esten, and her son-in-law, Shu Yang, with joy. She embraced them not just as relatives but as beloved new members of her inner circle.

Her grandchildren, Maddy and Sam, brought her boundless delight. Tuesday and Thursday playdates were sacred. She read books with silly voices, played games on the floor, and sang songs, savoring every moment. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of two more grandchildren this summer. Though she did not live to meet them, her legacy will be woven into the fabric of their lives—in bedtime stories, family traditions, and every loving gesture that carries her imprint.

Cindy’s professional life was defined by dedication and excellence. She was a sales and marketing executive for 15 years alongside Jim at their company, where she helped the business thrive through her insight, relationship-building, and unwavering professionalism. Clients respected her, colleagues trusted her, and the company grew stronger because of her presence. Later, she continued her work at Springwell, a senior services agency, where she brought her spirit of care, clarity, and competence to her marketing role.

For decades, Cindy lived with complex medical challenges, but she never allowed illness to define her. She worked out with a personal trainer twice a week and exercised vigorously every day for more than 40 years—not to impress anyone, but to live longer, stronger, and more fully. She viewed movement as a gift.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy led the family in adapting creatively. She transformed the garage into a cozy dining space with electric blankets and candles, ensuring that connection could continue safely. She found purpose in a period of isolation by spearheading the knitting of hundreds of hats for the homeless. In her later years, Cindy also took up watercolor painting. The practice brought her peace and joy, and embodied her attention to beauty, detail, and reflection.

Cindy was also a caregiver in the deepest sense. She lovingly tended to her mother in her final years. She created a welcoming home with a kitchen island always encircled by family and friends.

Cindy’s light will continue to shine brightly through the way her family lives and loves, and the memories cherished by those whose lives she touched.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Cynthia during visiting hours on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Parish of Bedford, 75 Great Road, Bedford Center, Bedford, MA. Burial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, will be private.

For those who wish to attend services remotely, please visit the livestream link below five minutes before the scheduled service time: Livestream Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/541148  

Memorial gifts made by check can be mailed to: 
Massachusetts General Hospital c/o Development Office
Attn: Jordyn Rappaport
125 Nashua Street, Suite 540
Boston, MA 02114.
Donors should make checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and include “Cindy Tenner Memorial Fund - GF0020192” on the memo line.

Memorial gifts can be made online at https://because.massgeneral.org/cindytenner

Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com