Cynthia Lee Margaret (Young) Barrington, 70, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 while in hospice care at Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center in Olathe, Kansas. A visitation will be 10:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 8th, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 14251 Nall Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66223
Cynthia was born on April 22, 1955 in Herkimer, New York. The eldest child of John Albert Young and Bertha Helen Elaine (Berguson) Young. Her formative years were spent in Ilion, Newport and Middleville NY; hamlets stretched along the Mohawk and Kuyahoora Valleys. In each, she developed many lifelong friendships and memories which followed her throughout her life. She had a deep attachment to her roots and was a steadfast Upstater all her life - proud of her family ancestry and its contributions to the history of the state and country she loved.
Cynthia received her Executive Business degree from Central City Business Institute in Syracuse NY and began her career as a medical secretary/assistant in Herkimer. Eventually heading to New York City. With great excitement, she ended up in the bustling advertising industry of Madison Avenue. This finally led her to the Kansas City area where she continued to raise her family. In time, she was able to pursue her original love of nursing by getting her RN degree. Cynthia felt blessed to serve as a nurse and possessed extraordinary medical knowledge. But most importantly, she embodied the true spirit of the profession with her tender, caring and compassionate nature towards anyone afflicted. After retirement, she enjoyed tending to those around her, volunteering, traveling and knitting.
With her amazing powers of recollection, Cynthia often delighted others with stories, remembrances or memories – sometimes forgotten by everyone but her. She would captivate those longing for simpler times. Her ability to remember significant dates left many deeply touched when she would reach out at just the right moment with a hug, gift, card, text or call.
Cynthia was a dedicated mother, spouse and a lifelong Catholic. She had a special love for Our Lady, the Rosary, St. Faustyna and the Divine Mercy devotion. As a woman of incredible faith, Cynthia patiently molded all she encountered with patience and perseverance. She left her imprint on all she encountered – leaving them much the better for it. Those who knew Cynthia are most assuredly heartbroken by her passing.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother, Robert Joseph Young. She is survived by her loving husband, Timothy Barrington; son Mark Smith (Holly Barbare); step-daughters Sparrow Stacy (Smith) Matheson (Mark) and Robin Smith; her sister, Jacqueline (Young) Betesh and husband, Steven; her brother, John B. Young and wife, Tammy. she also leaves behind her special nieces and nephews, Ryan Betesh (Vidya), Kiki Jacqueline Botifoll (Frank); Erin Tegan (Travis), Erica Young; and her super special grand nephew & niece, Luke and Josephine Botifoll.
A service and interment will be held in Newport, New York. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cynthia’s name to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.