Cynthia Ann Mitchell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 70. A 40-year resident of Bedford, New Hampshire, she leaves behind a family whose lives were deeply shaped by her warmth, generosity, and boundless love.

Cindi was born in Massachusetts on July 31, 1955, the daughter of Herman, Jr. and Marie DeYoung. She carried with her throughout life the values of family, loyalty, and kindness that defined the home in which she was raised.

On October 15, 1977, she married the love of her life, Eric Charles Mitchell. Together they built a life filled with adventure, partnership, and laughter, sharing nearly five decades of marriage. Their bond was one of true companionship, and together they created a family that became the center of Cindi’s world.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Gregory Warren Mitchell and his spouse Laura Krenzel-Powers of Bedford, New Hampshire, and Rebecca Leigh Mitchell and her wife Marla Fisher of Brooklyn, New York. Cynthia was a devoted and adoring grandmother to Brady, Julian, Liam, Max, Howard, and Margaret, each of whom brought immense pride and joy to her life.

Cindi is also survived by her sisters, Sandra Tombari of Derry, New Hampshire, and Dustie Richard of Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was predeceased by her brother, Herman K. DeYoung, and by her parents, Herman and Marie DeYoung.

To know Cindi was to know a woman whose love for her family was expressed through quiet acts of care. She had a remarkable talent for crocheting and spent countless hours making clothing and keepsakes for the people she loved most, especially her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. Those handmade gifts were more than crafts; they were lasting symbols of her affection and generosity.

She loved spending summertime weekends on Newfound Lake with her husband, extended family, and friends, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

For many years, Cindi shared a passion for barbecue competition with her husband Eric. As active members of the New England Barbecue Society, the two traveled the country competing and building friendships within the barbecue community. Together they achieved the distinction of Grand Champions, a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and love of the craft.

Cindi’s passion for barbecue extended beyond competition. She proudly co-authored the cookbook Operation BBQ: 200 Smokin’ Recipes from Competition Grand Champions, sharing her knowledge and love of cooking with others.

Above all else, Cindi will be remembered for the way she loved. Her home was always open, her hands always busy making something for someone she cared about, and her heart always centered on her family.

Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the family she nurtured, and the countless memories shared around dinner tables, lakeside gatherings, and competition cook sites across the country.

A celebration of Cynthia’s life will be held later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides hot meals to communities, first responders, and relief workers affected by natural disasters at https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is assisting with arrangements. For more information or to sign an on-line guest book, go to www.phaneuf.net