Cynthia was born on January 2nd, 1962, in Seattle, Washington, to Cleo Bolton and Gary Howard Cooper Sr. She was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Howard and Pearl Cooper, alongside her sister Canden. Her grandparents played an important role in shaping the woman she would become. Howard, a skilled carpenter, shared his passion for building with the girls while Pearl passed along a love for cooking and homemaking. Cynthia had six brothers and sisters, Robert, Canden, Susan, Randy, William (Billy), and Gary Cooper Jr.

In October 1981, Cynthia married her childhood best friend, George Bertram Shiels III. Together they began their life in Oceanside, Ca in a cottage on the beach before settling in Bellingham, Wa. Sharing a love for the outdoors, they spent much time backpacking and camping with their beloved dog, Tye, throughout the North Cascades and many adventurous trips to Lake Chelan and Wenatchee.

In 1983, they welcomed their first daughter, Courtney, followed by their second daughter, Monique in 1984. In 1988, Cynthia began a new chapter with her girls and settled in Snohomish County to be closer to family and friends.

In 1990, Cynthia met Terry Allen Stapleton, and the two married shortly thereafter. She welcomed his sons, Terry and Kyle, into her heart and loved them as her own. Together they shared many years of adventures, shenanigans and memories before welcoming their daughter, Marina, in 1994. Terry and Cynthia shared much love and many good times over the years before eventually going their separate ways. Although their time together as partners ended, Cynthia and Terry remained married and close friends until his passing in 2024.

In the later chapters of her life, Cynthia shared many years with her partner Derrick. He remained an important part of her life and the love she held for him was a big part of her story. Their journey together was uniquely their own and he held a special place in her heart until the very end.

Cynthia was a very strong-willed and outspoken woman with a fierce personality and a heart of gold. A lover of all things, she had a special place in her heart for animals, plants, thrift store treasures, and all the little trinkets that caught her eye. She found joy in the simple things and had a gift for finding beauty and meaning in the unexpected. She was an exceptionally generous and thoughtful friend. She was the kind of person that would give the shirt off her back to someone in need, never hesitating to show up for the people she cared about. Her kindness was matched by her unforgettable personality and contagious laugh, which could light up a room and bring joy to those around her.

One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. Cynthia was a proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren, and she treasured the time she was able to spend with them. Whether crafting, cooking, watching their favorite shows, playing games, or simply being together, she created special memories and shared her love in ways they will carry with them forever.

Cynthia leaves behind family and many friends who loved her deeply, countless cherished memories, and a legacy of generosity, adventure, and unconditional love. Her strong spirit, unmistakable laugh, and one-of-a-kind personality will never be forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Pearl, father Gary Cooper Sr, mother Cleo Bolton, husband Terry Stapleton, brothers Randy and Bill, brother-in-law Scott, and her grandson Landon. She is survived by her sisters Canden and Susan, brothers Robert and Gary Cooper Jr, daughters Courtney, Monique, and Marina, sons Terry and Kyle, grandchildren Dayne, Natalie, Trinity, Jordan, Juliet, Serenity, Sophia, Jason, Amaraya, Alias, Athena, Sailette, and many beloved friends.