Born: 11/22/1938
Mount Jewett, Pa.
Died: 06/01/2026
Berlin, Vt.
Details of service:
Ceremony and burial will be at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vt. for her family, military family and close friends on June 16 at 1 p.m.
Cynthia Stimmel Ross of Barre, Vt., passed away peacefully on Monday June 1, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on November 22, 1938, she was the daughter of Eugene and Leocadia Stimmel. Cynthia led a life defined by dedicated service to her country and a compassionate career in healthcare.
Cynthia graduated from Kane, Pa. Area High School in 1956 and from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1959. Her 50-year civilian nursing career included roles in the operating room, general surgery, hospital units and managing a health maintenance center. After retiring, she later worked part time at Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.
Cynthia received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education through Johnson State College and served as an Occupational Health Nurse for the Vermont Army National Guard from 1981 to 2001. Cynthia served with honor as an Army Guard Officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During Operation Desert Storm, she served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, earning an Army Achievement Medal in 1991. In 1997, she deployed to Macedonia, where she served as a clinical instructor and detachment officer; there, she earned a second Army Achievement Medal for her leadership in multinational medical training.
Cynthia is survived by and lovingly remembered by her sons, Patrick, and wife Kari, and her children; Timothy, and wife Jude; her grandson Nicholas Ross; her granddaughter Cassandra Impagliazzo, and husband Michael; her great-grandchildren, Liam, Emerson, Colson, Braxton, and Peyton. She is also survived by her sister Jean, and husband Robert Walker, along with their children and families. She was predeceased by her brother, John Stimmel, who is remembered through his children, Michelle and John. She was also close to the Blouin family of Montpelier and considered them part of her extended family.
Beyond her professional and military achievements, Cynthia lived by the philosophy that laughter was the greatest medicine for the soul, a warmth she shared generously with those around her. Her devotion to service and her joyful spirit remains an enduring inspiration.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Montessori School of Central Vermont.
