McLaren, Cindy ( Cynthia Bernadette McLaren née MacDonald)

Peacefully at North Bay Regional Health Centre on Friday April 3rd, 2026, after a lengthy struggle with many health issues.

Born July 23, 1962, to P.A.( Pius) and Lillian MacDonald in St Peter's Bay, Prince Edward Island. Cindy spent her early years between PEI and Sydney Nova Scotia. She recounted many stories of adventures in the innocent times of east coast childhood.

Cindy would meet and marry her first husband in 1979 in Sydney Mines Nova Scotia. Due to the results of a tragic car accident in 1981 affecting her husband, Cindy and her then infant son Travis would ultimately make their way to Cambridge Bay, Northwest Territories. There, her sister Carol helped her find government employment and regain her footing as a confident single mother.

Many tales were recounted of igloo camping, musk ox burger fundraisers to establish a community daycare, and general good times living in a climate that would reach minus 60 Celsius on occasion.

When it became apparent that Travis needed to participate in a more typical school environment, the decision was made to move back to more urban society. In typical Cindy fashion, that decision was made with the help of friends putting Air Force community names in a hat and pulling the choice she would ultimately arrive at, North Bay, On.

Cindy would enter the food service industry in North Bay while attending Nipissing University. There she obtained her BA in psychology with a goal of ultimately becoming a speech language pathologist. In 1992 at a Friday night dance with friends, she asked a shy man to dance that was standing on the sidelines. That dance would result in marriage in 1999 and her relocation to beef farm life in Rutherglen, On. Cindy's farming could best be described as "supervisory", but she was not averse to chasing a cow off the road or other necessary immediate tasks.

Cindy is survived by her husband Randall McLaren, son Travis and wife Zia. Cindy
was an extremely proud grandmother to grandsons Dante and Zayn.
She is also survived by sisters Joan, Cora, Mary Lou and brother Roddy, all of P.E.I. She was predeceased by sisters Marg, and Carol, and brothers Ronald and Sandy. She is remembered by brother in-law Ken McLaren Jr, sister in-law Clara and their family. Cindy is also remembered by her longtime dear friend Lillian RobichauId and her family.

Cindy was known in her healthy days for her cooking. She enjoyed creating hearty meals but also the social occasions to share them with others. Her homemade pizzas were legendary.
Having always described herself as socially awkward as a youth, she is recounted as someone who, as an adult, always made everyone feel included. It was her mission to make everyone feel welcome and well fed, no matter the occasion.

It was her stern wish that upon her passing she be cremated with no services. She desired that everyone remember her for the happy times. Those times will be celebrated according to her wishes at a future date, with ample food on hand and happy memories told.
On the occasion you hear Bob Segers " Old Time Rock and Roll" you will know it's time to dance as she did.

Many thanks are extended to staff and physicians of North Bay Regional Health Centre, Ottawa Cardiac Institute, cardiologists Dr’s Ravi and Toumi. Thanks also to former family physician, Dr. Steven Steinberg who was instrumental in Cindy achieving another 6 years in our company.

Special thanks and appreciation to Paramed PSW's Kait, Tracey and Louise. You had become family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Martyn Funeral Home North Bay. Condolences may be offered online at www.martynfh.com

In lieu of donations in her memory, simply do a good deed for someone who needs it.