Cynthia Gail (Longee) Riordan, 66, of Holliston, passed away at her home on Friday, November 17, 2023. Born in Ridgefield, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Gail (Preston) and Edward Longee. She is survived by her husband, Charles R. Riordan Jr. of Holliston, to whom she was married for 32 wonderful years, as well as her son, Andrew Merritt of Quincy and his wife, Elise.  

Cynthia was an animal lover who doted on all of her many pets (as well as some of the wildlife that found its way into the yard), and a voracious reader who could usually be found nearing the end of a large book that she had only recently started reading. Although she never liked being the center of attention, she had a sharp wit that prompted many belly laughs, even in her final days. She was a fan of all of the local sports teams, especially the Patriots, and was usually the loudest and most supportive voice on the sidelines at her son’s baseball games. She was a talented piano player who often led impromptu family holiday singalongs. She had two happy places in the world: Her home on Cranberry Lane in Holliston, surrounded by books and animals; and Round Pond, Maine, where she spent many peaceful seaside summer vacations with her husband and son.  

Cynthia was an Army veteran who spent almost three years (1977-80) as a motor transport operator in Europe. She went on to work as an administrative specialist and office manager, and met lifelong friends at several different companies and organizations including Leaf Systems, Lincoln-Sudbury High School, and International Polarizer. 

In addition to her husband and son, Cynthia leaves behind her beloved siblings, Christopher Longee and his wife, Laurie, of Chicago; Elizabeth O’Riordan and her husband, John, of Walpole; and Bruce Longee and his wife, Kathleen, of Holliston. She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews Brian, Katy, David, Michael, Kevin, Courtney, Kara, Grace and Julia; and many wonderful friends. 

A private service will be held at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at dana-farber.org and Ashland Animal Hospital, 10 Fountain St, Ashland, MA 01721.