Cynthia Maria León passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2022 in Tappan, New York.

Cynthia was born on November 6, 1947 in New York City to her mother Audrey and father Arnold DuFauchard. Although she spent parts of her childhood in New Orleans and Los Angeles, she was proudly raised in Brooklyn, NY and enthusiastically proclaimed herself a diehard New Yorker. Cynthia worked for many years in the health care industry, and succeeded in rising from an executive assistant at Montefiore Hospital to running one of the largest medical clinics in New York City, Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP, now known as EmblemHealth). Her employees appreciated her fairness, quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, and she was well-respected within her profession.

Cynthia is survived by her devoted husband, Richard, with whom she shared 54 years of a marriage filled with adventure, travel, salsa dancing, lively family dinners and loving celebrations. For Cynthia, it was always family first and her three daughters, Grace León Harris (m. Brian), Keisha León Chambers (m. Justin) and Tara León Graham (m. Alastair), along with her chosen son Robert Fertitta and goddaughter Melissa DuFauchard, were doted on, loved and supported every moment of every day. Cynthia was beyond thrilled to spoil her nine grandchildren, Isabella, Maya, Kaila, Eva, Jackson, Olivia, Caterina, Inés and Jacob, and jumped at every opportunity to babysit, attend school plays and graduations and be there for every milestone, big or small. Cynthia is predeceased by her beloved sister Carol Incigeri and brother Arnold DuFauchard II. She was considered a second mom to her many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and friends who relied on her for sound advice or a warm hug.

Cynthia will be remembered by those who loved her for her beauty, lively conversation, nimble dance moves, incredible cooking skills (especially her gumbo and fried chicken), spicy comebacks, and loving and empathetic character. She lit up every room she walked into. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Southside United HDFC - Los Sures, www.southsideunitedhdfc.org .