Cynthia "Cindy" Marie Barbauld (née Battleday)

Cynthia “Cindy” Marie Barbauld (née Battleday) passed away peacefully in her home in Hobart, Indiana, on August 28, 2025, at the age of 70. Born April 23, 1955, in East Chicago, Indiana, Cindy was the daughter of Bernard and Louise Battleday. From the very beginning, she was strong-willed, independent, and determined to make her mark. She became a trailblazer in her career, proudly serving as the first female manager in Indiana for Walgreens. Over the years, she managed stores across Northwest Indiana and Eastern Illinois before retiring in 2011. Cindy’s leadership inspired many, and her resilience in a male-dominated field became one of the many ways she quietly paved the way for others. Outside of work, Cindy lived with generosity and spirit. She had a tender heart for causes that mattered, regularly donating to children’s programs, the Alzheimer’s Association, and many other charities. She was also an avid reader who could get lost in the pages of a good book and a traveler at heart, with Disney destinations holding a special place in her life. Whether strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. or planning her next adventure, she believed deeply in the importance of vacations and finding joy along the way. Her lessons will live on through those who loved her: to always give up your seat to a woman, to stand up for those without a voice, to fight for equal rights, and to give generously to worthy causes. Cindy’s presence was unforgettable—she was outspoken, tough when she needed to be, yet carried a kind and compassionate heart underneath her hard shell. She is survived by her son, Christopher Barbauld (spouse Beckie Guffin); her sisters Karen Carroll (spouse Adam) Sharon Watts; nephews William Watts Jr. (spouse Tina) , Michael Watts (spouse Lisa) , and Steven Carroll (spouse Leah); niece Kelly Carroll; great-nephews William Watts III, Stanley Carroll and Jackson Keelor; and great-nieces Katie Watts, Kylee Watts, Kerrigan Carroll, and Anastasia Keelor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Louise and brother-in-law William Watts. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E Seventh St, Hobart, IN 46342, with a time of sharing memories immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cindy’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana at alz.org/indiana , as this terrible disease took her mother. Cindy will be remembered as a strong woman, an independent spirit, and a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her influence will ripple through generations, and her memory will forever live on in the lives she touched. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Cynthia "Cindy" Marie Barbauld (née Battleday)

April 23, 1955 - August 28, 2025