Cynthia Jean Van Dyke, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on March 6, 1938, Cynthia lived a beautiful life filled with love, kindness, faith, laughter, and devotion to her family and friends.

To know Cynthia was to love her. She had the gentlest soul, the warmest smile, and a way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. Her kindness was effortless and genuine, and she carried herself with grace, compassion, and a quiet strength that touched so many lives. She was truly the sweetest person anyone could ever meet.

Cynthia dedicated 30 years of her life to teaching at Monmouth Beach School in New Jersey, where she made a lasting impact on generations of students. Teaching was more than a profession to her - it was part of who she was. She had a natural gift for nurturing others and making people feel seen, encouraged, and cared for.

After retirement, Cynthia moved to Arizona, where she embraced life fully. She became active in her church and community, enjoyed traveling, and continued spreading joy everywhere she went. She had a lifelong love of horses and found happiness in the beauty of simple moments, meaningful conversations, and time spent with those she loved most.

Above all, Cynthia treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose love knew no limits. Her family was the center of her world, and the memories she created with them will be cherished forever.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Morris “Skip” Van Dyke.

She leaves behind her loving children, Anita Van Dyke; Tracey Carpin and son-in-law Dennis Carpin; and Skip Van Dyke and daughter-in-law Trisha Van Dyke. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Karen Mancini and her husband Joe; Mark Van Dyke and his wife Michelle; and Denise Huff.

Cynthia was a proud and loving grandmother to Christina Fox, Rachel Smith, Michael Carpin, Koryn Yaroz, Conner Van Dyke, and Joshua Van Dyke and an adoring great-grandmother to Isabelle Marie Fox, Amelia Yaroz, Enoch Yaroz, and Celestine Yaroz.

She was the beloved daughter of Martin M. Wigdortz and Alice Rosey.

Though her family’s hearts are broken by this loss, they find comfort in knowing Cynthia’s love, warmth, and beautiful spirit will remain with them always. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Funeral Service to honor Cynthia’s life will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm, at the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel located at 1494 Mathis Ferry Road. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.