Cynthia A. Powell, 68, of Frederick, MD, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at her home.
She was born April 21, 1958, in Baltimore, MD, the daughter of Malcolm H. Powell of Gettysburg, PA, and the late Annette (Dixon) Powell.
Ms. Powell was a graduate of Gettysburg High School in Gettysburg, PA, and Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Early in her career, Cindy focused on fundraising, development, and marketing at the University of Pittsburgh, Albion College in Michigan, and Mount Saint Mary’s College in Maryland. In 1990, she was selected as the first Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, where she helped citizens of Frederick County achieve their philanthropic goals. In 1994, she opened Needles & Pins quilt shop, where she taught countless adults and children to quilt, sew, and craft. During this time, Cindy also volunteered with the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, building partnerships with local schools and working tirelessly to develop after-school programs that fostered education for all children.
After 20 years of owning Needles & Pins, Cindy became the Educational Coordinator for the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, where she continued developing early learning programs and academic enrichment opportunities for children throughout the neighborhood. Cindy was an active and well-known participant in charitable causes too numerous to mention, including the Advocates for the Aging of Frederick County. In collaboration with others, she helped develop a low-income housing initiative for seniors in Frederick County — one with the potential to be replicated in other counties.
Cindy’s involvement and tireless dedication to the charitable organizations of Frederick County were extensive. Through her gift for grant writing, many organizations received funding for programs desperately needed to care for those in need. Cindy — or “Ms. Cindy,” as she was known to the children — deeply loved the students and families she served, and they adored her right back. She walked beside them and held hope for each one of them while they sought to feel it for themselves.
Her great love and selfless dedication leave a legacy that will be remembered by future generations.
Cindy also enjoyed quilting, sewing, and gardening in her free time.
In addition to her father, Cindy is survived by a brother, Malcolm Scott Powell, and his fiancée, Christine Carmichael of Ohio; a sister, Judith A. Linsey, and her husband, Worley of York, PA; and multiple nieces and nephews.
The Housing Authority of Frederick County will hold a candlelight vigil at the Ann Ryan Community Center, 207 Lee Alley, Frederick, Maryland, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The Advocates for the Aging will be hosting a gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Housing Authority of Frederick City, 209 Madison Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701, ATTN: Ms. Cindy’s Tutoring/Early Learning Fund. Memorials may also be made to the Advocates for the Aging of Frederick County at Advocatesforaging.org.
Online obituary and condolences are available at monahanfuneralhome.com.