Cynthia, known to many as Cindy, passed away on May 17, 2024, in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Cynthia was born on June 10, 1951, at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. She was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Madge Imburgia. She is survived by her husband, Joe Atwell, her son Don Anthony Friedewald, partner, (Paula) Joe’s daughter, Christy Swanson, (Rick), her sisters, Ginger Poynter (Robert), and Priscilla Johnson (Nelson), her niece, Tiffany Polito(Patrick), John McCann, Jr, (Beth) her nephews, Tyler Johnson (Hunter Rae), Bryce Johnson (Molly), as well as great nieces and great nephews, Jacob, Vivianne, Rhett, Penelope, Landon Rae, Jensen, Gage, and Jack, grandchildren, Samantha and Justin.
Her sisters’ earliest memories were of Cynthia “playing nurse.” From a very early age Cynthia wanted to help take care of others. She possessed a compassionate heart and never failed to help anyone, even strangers, when she believed that she could make a difference. Cynthia went on to fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse after graduating from Barry College School of Nursing. Cynthia achieved many accolades in her 40 plus years of nursing. She held the respect of her colleagues and eventually rose to become the Nursing Director of Pediatrics at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Her amazing career didn’t stop there. She went on to become the Chief Nursing Officer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, a division of Memorial Healthcare System, in Hollywood, Florida. Cynthia was very intricately involved in designing the children’s hospital, making certain that the hospital’s environment was welcoming, colorful, joyful, as well as practical for children’s unique needs. Everyone that knew Cynthia knew what a special caring person she was.
After retiring from her long nursing career, Cynthia and her husband, Joe, relocated to Ponte Vedra, Florida and resided in the community of Nocatee where Cynthia made many great friends. Cynthia’s love of children was extraordinary. Cynthia never failed to stop, greet, and engage with a child wherever she was. Cynthia gracefully battled Alzheimer’s disease with courage. She participated in many clinical trials to help understand the cause of and look for cures for this disease. Cynthia’s beloved husband, Joe was unsurpassed in his tender care, patience, and love for “His Cindy.” One of Cynthia’s doctors said, “Joe treated Cindy like a little China doll.” Joe never gave up researching and seeking ways to help her with the disease and with her comfort. It was obvious to anyone that knew Joe, that he loved her deeply, and would do anything he could for her. Her family is so appreciative of the blessing Joe was in her life. If anyone wanted to see Cynthia light up like a Christmas Tree, it was when she was with her wonderful, and caring son, Don Anthony. Don Anthony lovingly referred to her as “Mama Bear”. He was such a joy in her life.
Cynthia will be forever remembered with deep affection and all that knew her were blessed to have had her in their lives. Our family likes to believe that our Lord welcomed and rewarded Cynthia as one of his loving angels. Our family would especially like to thank Cynthia’s long- time friend, Ginny Kay- Kline, for all her support, guidance, and care for Cynthia when she was in hospice. We would also like to thank the staff (of angels) at Community Hospice at Baptist Hospital South for their care and support of both Cynthia and our family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made to Community Hospice, Baptist Hospital South, and the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program.
