Cynthia “Cyndi” Alice Champney Urbano

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cynthia “Cyndi” Urbano, a woman of boundless energy, curiosity, intellect, and love. Cyndi was born on March 24, 1959, in Watertown, New York, to Ralph and June Champney. She was the eldest of three children, alongside her siblings, Steve Champney and Carol Vinci. Over the course of her full life, she touched countless lives with her intelligence, creativity, and unwavering support for those around her.

Driven by a lifelong thirst for new experiences, Cyndi was an avid traveler and a devoted learner. She found joy in discovering the world and sharing those experiences with others. This adventurous spirit carried into her everyday life through her passions for cooking, photography, and embracing new opportunities wherever they appeared.

Cyndi built an accomplished and dynamic career, beginning in journalism—a path that allowed her to explore different cultures and perspectives. She later became a highly respected marketing professional, ultimately channeling her expertise and passion into founding her own business. Through her work, she supported local businesses and authors, forming meaningful relationships that often went far beyond the professional. To many, she was not just a colleague, but a trusted partner and friend.

At the heart of Cyndi’s life was her family. She married the love of her life, Joe, in November 1981, beginning a partnership that spanned over 44 years of marriage and nearly five decades together. In 1999, they welcomed their daughter, Steffanie, whom Cyndi cherished deeply and devoted herself wholeheartedly. She was a loving wife and an extraordinary mother, and her family was always her greatest drive.

Cyndi’s legacy is one of love, passion, and an enduring curiosity about the world. She inspired others to explore, to learn, and to live fully. Her strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Cyndi, age 67, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. She faced her final moments with courage and without pain, fighting until the very end. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. She is survived by her loving husband, Joe, and her forever grateful daughter, Steffanie, along with many family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Cyndi’s life will be held over the July 4th weekend in New York as well as a small service in Virginia in the coming months. Further details will be shared soon. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to join in honoring her memory.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to celebrate Cyndi’s spirit by trying a new cuisine, embarking on an adventure, or sharing a meaningful photo or memory. We believe this would be a fitting tribute to the extraordinary way she lived her life.