In Memory of Cynthia Shibuya
Spouse: Nobuo Shibuya
Children: Hithia, Nocynthia, Athia, Naomi, Nythia
DOB: May 30, 1954
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: March 7, 2026
Seonghwa Ceremony: Friday, March 20th, 7:30PM-9:30PM at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home at 64 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, 10522
GoFundMe link: https://tinyurl.com/4mv6xkcw
Cynthia June Shibuya was born on May 30, 1954 to Richard and Josephine Wade. She was the first daughter in an Irish-Italian family of nine children. She grew up on Long Island, New York, where she developed a deep Catholic faith and love of Jesus and God.
In her early 20s, while living in San Francisco, her dear friend Gay Grow invited her to a Divine Principle workshop and her journey with the Unification Church began. She spent seven years on MFT and was blessed in 1982 at Madison Square Garden to Nobuo Shibuya.
Together, they built a family and life rooted in close, personal dedication to True Parents and True Family while living in the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown. She was the mother to five daughters: Hithia, Nocynthia, Athia, Naomi, and Nythia - as well as a grandmother to four grandchildren.
Cynthia worked for the Manhattan Center, Universal Peace Federation, and Women’s Fed International for several years, caring for and working alongside ambassadors and dignitaries. She also served as the Sunday School director for the Belvedere Family Church for almost 20 years, guiding many children of the community.
She dedicated her life to supporting and caring for True Parents, True Family, and other members. She was a Belvedere Green Room attendant for True Parents and Hyo Jin Nim, and, on her own time, tutored True Family and members in English and essay writing in her kitchen, serving with quiet dedication and care.
Cynthia also found joy in life's simple pleasures. She had a well-known love for coffee and Italian food, and many cherished conversations were shared over cappuccinos and chocolates. Those who knew Cynthia remember her for her exceptional hospitality and her ability to make others feel welcome and at home. She had a special talent for forming friendships and building a community wherever she went. She will be remembered for the many lives she touched, the communities she helped build, and the table she shared so freely.
The Seong Hwa will be held on Friday, March 20th from 7:30PM-9:30PM at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home at 64 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, 10522. The zoom link will be provided soon.
If people wish to send flowers, they can contact Kanae Holt at +1 (914) 844-5163 or email kanaeholt@yahoo.com.
For those who would like to contribute to the cost of her Seong Hwa, here is her GoFundMe link: https://tinyurl.com/4mv6xkcw
