Cynthia Lee McElroy

Cynthia Lee McElroy passed away peacefully in hospice care at INOVA Fairfax Hospital on October 10, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Russell and June McElroy, and her sister, Jeri Spates. She is survived by her loving wife of 39 years, Beverly Knapp; niece Lily Spates, nephew Michael Spates, of Severna Park MD, Aunts Cookie Brakebill and Ruth Hall of Sacramento, CA, and lifelong god-parents Faye and Morrie Levine of Silver Spring MD.

Cindy was born in the Philippines since her father served in the military: Army Air Corps and Air Force. As a young girl she moved with the family to locations around the US and Europe. Upon her father’s retirement, her family settled in Severna Park, MD. Cindy spent her teen years growing up on the Severn River, which always held a special place in her heart, and made her a lifelong boater and sailor.

Her affinity for nursing began when she was a candy-striper at Anne Arundel General Hospital. She received her associate’s degree and RN certification from Anne Arundel Community College, and later earned her BSN from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. She started her career working in the original MIEMS Shock Trauma unit at the University of Maryland Hospital and continued working in acute and intensive care critical care in Baltimore County General Hospital and Washington Medical Center, among others.

Cindy met Bev, her future spouse, at a holiday party in Baltimore City, and were inseparable within a month. The happy couple pledged their personal commitment to each other in 1986 and became legally married on August 24, 2013. They lived and worked for several years in Baltimore, before moving to Tucson AZ to pursue new work opportunities. In Tucson, Cindy worked as a home health care nurse serving not only within the city, but in rural and native American areas as well. They returned to the east coast in 2000, and became long term residents of Alexandria, Virginia. Cindy took care of her mom while she was ill and became a nurse advisor/mentor to student nurses in person and on the internet.

In addition to nursing, Cindy enjoyed many activities, including doting on her Siamese cats, sewing, cooking and baking. Family and friends eagerly anticipated and relished her holiday Almond Roca candy. She was an avid reader, participating in several book clubs. Cindy enjoyed traveling, especially exploring the east and west coasts as well as some European travel. She expanded her love of popular music to include an appreciation for opera and the classics. She and Bev often attended operas at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Kennedy Center in Washington, and several other exciting venues.

Cindy will be remembered for providing exceptionally skilled nursing care in her professional life, and endless love for family, sense of humor, and compassion.

A Celebration of Cindy’s Life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Tributes may be added online at FuneralChoices.com in the obituary section.