THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOCAL HUNTSVILLE RESIDENT

CYNDIE TYRRELL-MCMILLAN, 57, WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE HUNTSVILLE AND MUSKOKA COMMUNITY, ADVOCATING FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CARE

Charlene Lovegrove still remembers her aunt's laughter, the kind that would drown out the sound of her own tears. She recalls how her aunt would make sure people around her felt heard and included.

But it was her laugh that was the most contagious and most memorable, said Lovegrove.

Lovegrove's aunt, Cyndie Tyrrell-McMillan, died of cancer in Huntsville on April 19, 2022 at the age of 57. She is survived by her husband, children and brothers, alongside friends and relatives.

For Lovegrove, her relationship with her aunt was like that of a sister. Despite being only a few years younger than her aunt, the two grew up together in a farming community in Fisherville, Ont. - home to a family that adopted children alongside their own.

"It was that family environment that stirred the passion (Tyrrell-McMillan) had for foster care and youth mental health," said Lovegrove.

Throughout her later years, Tyrrell-McMillan worked in roles advocating for the rights and needs of children and youth in care, from working with the Peel Region's Children Aid Society to working with the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions.

In the weeks leading up to her passing, Tyrrell-McMillan's colleagues sent her virtual messages, with many saying they were thinking of her.

One of the messages, from Janet Hook, reads:

"You've been on quite a journey! I wanted you to know Cyndie that I am thinking about you; sending positive healing energy your way as you continue this challenging trek!"

Lovegrove said the messages were amazing and showed just how many people cared for her aunt. She said it was a great way for her colleagues to honour her aunt.

According to her obituary, Tyrrell-McMillan's Celebration of Life was held on April 22. A family graveside service will be held at the Bethel Cemetery in Fisherville at a later date.

The cemetery is right beside the family farm that her aunt grew up in, said Lovegrove.

"She'll be returning to the farm where all her inspiration came from," said Lovegrove.

Lovegrove said the loss of her aunt was huge for her. But she said she believes Tyrrell-McMillan made sure to pack a lot of life whenever she could, whilst leaving an impact in the community.

In honour of Tyrrell-McMillan's memory, Lovegrove's daughter, Kearson, wrote a poem as she sat down with her great aunt. Part of that poem reads:

"I'm sitting here in the quiet/ Listening to the soft in and out of your gentle breathing... The world is going to be dimmer now that its brightest light is fading/ I'm sitting here in the quiet/ Enjoying the last drops of light you so generously offer."