Murphys, CA…Cynthia Louise Ward Madrid, 74 of Murphys California passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 15th due to complications of pneumonia. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William and Eleanor (McDonald) Ward, Cynthia was raised in Murphy’s California and also considered Montclair in the Oakland Hills home as well. She later raised her two children in Jamestown with her husband John Madrid of 30 years where they created a magical family home at “Top of the Hill” – many happy memories were shared with friends and family. She was incredibly proud of her rich family history and lineage in California, Philadelphia and her beloved Carmel by the Sea where she found much inspiration.Her entrepreneurial spirit led to endeavors such as The Grey Goose Gallery, Maiden Madrid and Fairytale. Prior to this she obtained her FCC license and broadcasted news for KVML in the late 1970s and early 80s and was a regular announcer for the Mother Lode Roundup parade in Sonora.

She was beautiful, multifaceted, complex and utterly talented with many gifts.Cynthia was known for her excellence in cooking, gardening and design in addition to her professional career as a prolific artist for over 40 years. Her passion for beauty, art and nature translated to her work. Starting at a young age, Cynthia nurtured her talent at The School of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. Her whimsical watercolors of women, folk art paintings of the French countryside, romantic wood carvings and hand crafted clay pieces are among the many genres and mediums she enjoyed. Her work was featured in Gumps of San Francisco in addition to galleries in Carmel and Stockton where she had a devoted following. Many commissioned designs were subsequently licensed, reproduced and sold world wide by two major companies. She and John went on to design and collaborate on many projects together. His passing in 2004 left an indelible void in the heart of the family. She later met and married Robert (Bob) Anderson and enjoyed many happy years in Avery until his passing in 2022. She will be remembered for her brilliant humor, innate sense of style, engaging personality, her strong faith and love of animals. She was a star who brightened countless lives with her body of work. She is survived by daughter Gina (JT), son Sutton (Kim), granddaughter Morgan, sister Maryann (Brian), and nieces Elizabeth and Katherine.A funeral mass will be held at St Patrick’s church in Murphys at 11am, November 14th. Reception to follow at Dunbar House from 12-2:30.