Cynthia Marie Hale-Tentinger

Cynthia Marie Hale-Tentinger made one last observation of life with her characteristic comedic wit on February 25, 2025. Strong and selfless throughout her long fight with cancer, Cyndi referred to herself as a “cockroach that won’t go away.” Cyndi broke the human mold when she was born to the late Francis and Nancy Hale on July 8, 1954, in Ohama, Nebraska. Cyndi’s childhood was shaped by unique outings with her grandmother and aunt to adult environments such as horse tracks, learning early that: “you can’t lose money you don’t have.” Cyndi’s love for animals was rooted in her recognition of the spirit they share with people. This love was best exemplified by her years of volunteering in children and adult equine therapy with her horse Dan, and through her work training golden retrievers. Cyndi followed a code of self-made rules, with number one being: “marry your best friend.” On May 23, 1980, Cyndi married her best friend, John Tentinger, and together they raised two sons, Stephen and Will, in Connecticut.

Cyndi was an ICU registered nurse before taking on the job of raising children, dogs, and ducks. In retirement, the couple moved to John’s Island, South Carolina. This new Lowcountry residence gave Cyndi and John an opportunity to become the most welcoming hosts imaginable. A constant rotation of guests were invited to share the duo's gastronomic cooking and 5:30 cocktails, often overlapping with previous invitees. Cyndi said, “the key is to keep the washing machine running.” Cyndi’s stories flowed naturally, like a novel you couldn’t put down, and were punctuated with phrases that would make a poet take note. She casually dropped comments in her daily life such as, “go sell crazy somewhere else,” “it looks like that person fell into a laundry basket,” and the classic, “Look! That person is getting an award!” when someone was getting a speeding ticket. Cyndi was liked by everyone that met her, and Cyndi liked most people. Everyone felt her positive presence when she entered a room. While Cyndi could be the life of the party, she also gave her complete attention to each individual conversation, often making deep and spiritual connections. Cyndi could always make you feel better.

Cyndi was preceded in death by her sister, Laura Rhoades, and five golden retrievers. Cyndi is survived by her sister Susan Clifford, by her husband John Tentinger, their sons Stephen and Will (Erica) Tentinger, two golden retrievers Jolene and Dickens, and her horse Dan.

A memorial service will be held in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel on March 13th, 2025, at 3:00 PM. There will be a future service in Connecticut during the spring, details forthcoming.

No flowers, please. If you feel compelled to spend your hard-earned money to honor Cyndi’s memory, donations may be sent to: Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, PAN Foundation, and Lutheran Hospice of South Carolina.

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