Cynthia Duarte Brakman, a beautiful, loving, and creative woman passed away on November 30th, 2024, surrounded by her family. Cindy was a devoted wife to Carl Brakman, and a loving mother to Adam and David. Her warmth, spirit, and strength will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

Cindy is survived by her husband Carl, sons, Adam and David, and her siblings: Marjorie Griffin (Patrick), Elizabeth Kromer (Hugh), Marian Dodds (John), Kathy Hartmann (Zachary), as well as her brothers, Manuel Jr. (“Sonny” to Cindy), David, and Darin. Her family meant the world to her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, encouragement, and creativity.

Cindy was a true powerhouse, known for her quiet strength, bright intellect, and gentle encouraging support of family members and friends. One of her greatest passions in life was running. Growing up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, she developed her love for running by chasing cows from the pastures to the barnyard—a humble beginning to a lifelong dedication to the sport. She ran Track and Cross Country for Taconic Hills High School, where her talent was first recognized and nurtured.

Cindy continued her athletic journey at Clemson University from 1980 to 1984, where she became the first female Track and Field and Cross Country All-American in the history of Clemson Athletics. A literal trailblazer, Cindy made history by earning All- America honors in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross-country—an achievement that was both groundbreaking and inspiring. Her accomplishments on the track were significant, but it was the friendships she forged with her teammates that meant the most to her. She and her fellow runners formed a bond that has lasted for over forty years, and these cherished friendships continued to shape her life.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Cindy was known for her creativity, her kindness, business skills, support of families in the community and her ability to provide encouragement to loved ones that everything will work out and get better. She lived her life with grace and humility, always putting others before herself. Whether as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a sister, or a friend, she inspired those around her with her unwavering love, her determination, and her ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

A celebration of life service to honor Cindy’s life and legacy will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on January 18th at 1:00 pm in Newport News VA. A celebration of life will also be held at a later date in May 2025 near her home in upstate New York. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Taconic Hills Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 1119, Philmont, New York 12565, or to Grace United Methodist Church 1209 Country Club Rd., Newport News, VA 23606. https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/cynthia-duarte-brakman/11901/

Cynthia’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a true trailblazer, an awe-inspiring loving wife and mother, and an inspiration to all who crossed her path. Her spirit, her love, and her legacy will endure.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.