Cynthia Cay Harter DeBlanc's Obituary
Cynthia Cay Harter DeBlanc passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Marigny Jian by her side on Saturday, December 7, 2024. She was 78 years old. Cynthia was born on September 25, 1946 in Olean, NY.
Cynthia is survived by her beloved daughter, Marigny Jian Constance Harter DeBlanc, her sister Becky Harter, and brother Sandy Harter. She will also be lovingly remembered by her nephews: William (Lindy) and their children Donovan and Cailyn; Andrew (Alana) and their children Ryan Lee, Zoe, Easton, and Paige; and Peterson, along with her cousins and many lifelong friends whose lives were graced by her kindness and care. She was preceded in death by her dear parents, Constance Osborne Harter and Earl William Harter, Sr.
Cynthia’s childhood was filled with love and adventure—growing up on the West Bank in Aurora Gardens and spending summers with her grandparents in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Isidore Newman School in 1964. Early in her career, she worked at the New Orleans Museum of Art where she engaged with galleries and supported artists from around the world. She later worked at the Provincetown Art Gallery and earned a degree in English from Skidmore College in 1968.
Her natural ability to listen and understand turned into a calling as an educator and social worker, which was a testament to her deep care for others. She taught kindergarten at Trinity Episcopal School and worked with underprivileged youth through the Trinity Educational Enrichment Program. She furthered her studies in education at Tulane University and the Catholic University of America where she received her Master of Social Work in 1979.
In 1993, Cynthia helped to establish the Weight Management Center at St. Charles General Hospital and was a psychotherapist on the hospital treatment team. She dedicated herself to helping thousands of people and later transitioned to private practice where she continued to serve clients with deep compassion and wisdom.
Cynthia’s spirit was prolific and effervescent. She embodied a light and joy that radiated to all who knew her. She had an incredible sense of humor, a sharp wit, and a deep love for reading and writing. Cynthia had a particular fondness for obituaries, finding in them both deep insight and unexpected levity. Her appreciation for dark humor and the irreverent reflected a mind that was curious, nuanced, and unconventional. She brought warmth and laughter to every room she entered. She had a radiant energy that made everyone feel seen and valued. Above all, she loved with all her heart. She adored her two whippets, Alibi and Matanzas, and found peace in the sound of the ocean waves—her favorite place to be.
The greatest joy of her life was the journey she took to bring her daughter, Marigny Jian into her arms. As a single mother, she traveled to China with 30 other families and adopted her daughter. The bond they shared was the greatest love and treasure of her life.
A beautiful part of Cynthia’s life story is the connection she had with a shaman who gave her the name Night Owl, a symbol of her wisdom and ability to listen deeply. Marigny was named Running Brook which is a reflection of her gentle and enduring spirit.
Cynthia’s love, kindness, and laughter will be forever cherished and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A special and heartfelt thank you to Notre Dame Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Their kindness made all the difference and the family is grateful for the comfort they provided.
The family welcomes flowers and donations that may be made in Cynthia’s memory to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a cause close to her heart and one she supported during her lifetime as a board member.
A memorial tribute to honor her life and legacy will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130 on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Parish House. All are welcome to attend.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The DeBlanc family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences online at the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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