Cyndy Billingham Bizon
1948 - 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Cynthia (Billingham) Bizon announces her passing in Naples, Florida on Monday, July 13, 2026, following a brief illness which she fought bravely; she was 78. Her beloved husband, Joel, was at her side as he had been throughout her illness and hospitalization.
Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Cynthia (Cyndy) was the daughter of Russell P. and Evelyn (Gustafson) Billingham. She grew up in Cromwell, CT, graduating from high school in 1966. Cyndy attended the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, earning a pharmacy degree in 1971. Her career as a pharmacist eventually brought her to the love of her life, Joel, a fellow pharmacist, whom she married in 2003. Together they spent 23 wonderful years living in southern Maine and Estero, Florida. In addition to their pharmacy careers, Cyndy and Joel established the Baron Group, Inc., in Saco, Maine. Cyndy was an avid reader. She enjoyed golfing with Joel and their friends at the Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club in Estero.
In the February 2007 issue of Family Circle Magazine, Cyndy and Joel were featured in an article about "broken heart syndrome." (See Below.) An interview with Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC's Chief Medical Editor at the time, would soon follow.
Cyndy was proud of her Scandinavian heritage, and, in her youth, her parents' home was the setting for many happy Christmas Eve celebrations, which included smorgasbords featuring Swedish meatballs and korv -- her favorite! Cyndy's sparkling personality, infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and concern for others will be greatly missed, but in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, they will live on.
In addition to her beloved husband Joel, Cyndy is survived by her cousins: Lori Salonia of Cromwell, CT; Wendy Sobczak of Newington, CT; Susan Golet (Frank) of West Kingston, RI; Joan (Ted) Tester of Portland, CT; Bruce (Debra) Gustafson of Cromwell, CT; and by their children. Cyndy is also survived by her sister-in-law, Brenda Lojuidice of Southwick, MA.
In addition to her parents, Cyndy was predeceased by her cousin James (Jim) Gustafson. Her faithful long-time canine companion, Gracie Louise, also predeceased her.
Joel would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff at NCH North Hospital in Naples for Cyndy's excellent and compassionate care.
A private graveside funeral will be held in Connecticut at a future date. Cromwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cynthia's memory may be made to the Maine Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute, Philanthropy Department, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.
From Cyndy's own "Now and Then" page.
Joel, Cyndy, and their German Short-haired pointer, CJ
I graduated from UConn pharmacy school in 1971 and have been working in retail pharmacy ever since. I moved to Maine in 1973 and now live in Saco, Maine just south of Portland. Up until a few years ago, I got back to Cromwell often, as my Mom still lived on Prospect Hill Rd. She finally moved up here in 2003 to be nearer to us and we sold the house in Cromwell. Some of you may remember that my mom, Evelyn, was the secretary to the superintendent of schools in Cromwell. She passed away in Aug 2004 at the age of 90!
My husband Joel and I have been together for several years...made it official in Feb of 2003 with a great party! Joel is also a pharmacist. He works for Rite Aid in our area after many years in management with CVS. I now work for Shaw's/Osco Pharmacy.We have also run our own corporation, acquiring, re-habbing and managing rental real estate.We had twin cardiac episodes in 2005 (see below), but are doing better now and looking forward to less work and more golf. Along with our German short-haired pointer, CJ, we divide our time (as much as the work schedules allow) between Maine and our place in Estero, Fl.
We had a wonderful time at the all-school reunion and especially at the class of '66 40th. It was a special time with great friends who haven't seemed to age at all. Amazing how the years seem to disappear when we get together.
Above is an article about our heart "events" that appears in the Feb 2007 issue of Family Circle (page 126). Joel and I were honored to have our story chosen to accompany the Heart Health article as it is a way to increase awareness of heart issues, especially as women's heart symptoms can be different. It is my hope that research may someday be able to identify those at risk for the type of event that I suffered. We have also become advocates for the placement of AED's (portable defibrillators like those that you see in airports) in more public places. If I hadn't been standing in front of a nurses' station where a cardiologist happened to be writing a report when I was stricken, the chances are that I wouldn't have been treated in time.
(Now and Then information provided in February 2007)