Cynthia S. Vorih

Cynthia “Cyndy” (Smith) Vorih, 92, of Southington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of William J. Vorih, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, adventure, and devotion.

Cyndy was born on April 28, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Hilton A. and Elizabeth (Zorbaugh) Smith. She grew up as the oldest of five children in a big, vibrant, and happy household in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her early life was deeply shaped by her parents; her father, a professor at the University of Tennessee, fostered a family culture of curiosity and travel. Cyndy cherished memories of traveling across the United States with her family in a converted school bus and the unique opportunity to accompany her father on several university trips abroad.

Pursuing her lifelong passion for learning, Cyndy attended Oberlin College, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Teaching from North Adams State Teachers College. Inspired by her early travels, she planned a grand global adventure after completing her initial teaching assignments - she joined the U.S. Army dependents' school system and set off for France.

It was during her time in Verdun, that fate stepped in: she met a young Army lieutenant, Bill Vorih. The two were soon married, and while still overseas, they welcomed their first child, Joe.

Following Bill’s discharge from the military, the young family returned to the United States and settled in Denver, Colorado. While Bill worked as an engineer, Cyndy embraced life in the Rockies—enjoying four-wheel-drive adventures, raising their family, which became complete with the birth of their daughter, Alixe, and hitting the road on family camping trips in their trailer. It was in Denver that Cyndy focused deeply on fine art, especially silk screening, and started a picture framing business—skills and creative passions that she carried forward throughout her life.

When Bill joined Firestone, the family moved to Akron, Ohio, where they continued their beloved tradition of trailer camping trips. Cyndy also continued to channel her artistic energy into handcrafts, including creating intricate hand-tufted rugs that became cherished gifts for her children and friends alike.

In 1976, the family embarked on another major international chapter when Bill accepted an assignment in Rome, Italy. Over the course of 16 fantastic years there, Cyndy truly thrived. She and Bill loved traveling all around Italy and Europe—often towing their trailer on unforgettable camping journeys—hosting countless family members and friends, and dedicating endless time and enthusiasm to Girl Scouting. Among her many scouting adventures, she was famous for driving back from Naples with a car filled to the roof with Girl Scout cookies, running the summer Camp Pineta Incantata near Pisa, and eventually volunteering as the Regional Coordinator for all of Italy.

It was also during these years in Rome that Cyndy embraced every opportunity to learn and perfect authentic Italian cooking. An incredible hostess, she not only mastered regional classics but also delighted in introducing many of her local friends to traditional American meals—including full Thanksgiving dinners. Anyone lucky enough to sit at her table was treated to unforgettable feasts, with her signature pasta al forno, rich spinach budino, and delicate crostini di mare becoming timeless family treasures.

After seeing both of her children graduate high school in Rome, Cyndy and Bill returned to the United States before embarking on yet another adventure in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her years in Costa Rica became perhaps her favorite chapter of all—filled with rich community engagement, continuous crafting, and some of the best cooking of her life.

When Bill retired in 1999, Cyndy and Bill set out to embrace the world even more fully. Together, they enjoyed the kind of vibrant, active retirement everyone dreams of: embarking on endless cruises, exploring every corner of Costa Rica and Europe, laughing with dear friends, and renting houses in Italy and France for unforgettable summers. Their grandkids will also remember “Grandma and Grandpa” camp – summers each of them spentin Costa Rica crafting, cooking and exploring.

A few years ago, Cyndy and Bill relocated to Southington, Connecticut, to be close to what mattered most: their family. They settled into a pleasant and social life at Spring Lake, with yet another garden, more cooking and visits from friends and family.

To know Cyndy was to know someone who lived life with quiet joy and boundless energy. She kept herself constantly busy, engaged, and happily tending to her home without ever a word of complaint—a dedication that occasionally resulted in her softly nodding off at the dinner table after a full, productive day.

In addition to her beloved husband, Bill, Cyndy is survived by her two children: her son, Joseph M. Vorih and his wife Deirdre of Niantic, CT, and her daughter, Alixe Seebauer and her husband David of Southington, CT; five cherished grandchildren: Katherine Kinnie (Brandon), Sarah Vorih, John Vorih, Aubri Seebauer, and Aiden Seebauer; and her adoring great-granddaughter, Adelynn. She is also survived by two brothers, Lewis and Roy Smith; her sister, Judy Begun; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Cyndy was predeceased by her brother, Charles Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Cyndy’s extraordinary journey and joyful spirit. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.