She was born on June 9, 1938 in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica West Indies, to Ivan and Alice Speare. After completing her post-High School A Levels she went on work for some of Jamaica's leading international firms - among them Hilton Hotels and Kaiser Bauxite Company Jamaica. She met her husband Twefik Antonio in High School and they have been together ever since and had their only child Sheril D. Antonio on February 29, 1960. Cynthia left Jamaica in the mid-1960s on an adventure to the United States and settled in Queens New York and soon found employment at Fashion Ribbon Co where she worked until her retirement in 2004. During her early years in the U.S. she laid the foundation for the arrival of her family, finding the right place to live and the best schools and summer camps for her daughter. She also sought and found a place to worship, which brought her to Marble Collegiate Church during the Dr. Normal Vincent Peale era. Her years in America, once her family was settled, were filled with evenings and matinees enjoying the opera, theater and films. She loved reading books and listening jazz at home. She loved travel adventures and cruises, hosting celebrations with family and friends, and showing her gratefulness through worship. Cynthia made exercise and dance classes part of her life's routine long before it was fad or fashion. She expressed her caring and thoughtfulness in many ways including volunteering for the Norman Vincent Peale Help Line Telephone Center in the late 1970s. She endeavored to celebrate each and every one of her years fully and continued to do so with her husband and friends during her retirement. Her graceful and vivacious spirit will always be cherished by: Husband - Twefik A. Antonio, Daughter- Sheril D. Antonio, Brother - Headley Speare, Niece- Duette Speare, Nephews - Lance Speare and family, Juliane Speare and family, Sisters-in-law - Esme & Sarah Antonio, May Speare, Brother-in-law - Jimmy Antonio, his wife Mary Antonio and their family, Cousins - Dorothy Carter Bradford, Charles Carter, Henry Carter, Steve Carter and tireless family friends Hyacinth Anderson and her family, Rachel Terte, Pari Shirazi, Patti Pearson and Lily Eng.