Cynthia Louise Mikelaites Belden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away suddenly on December 29, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helene Mikelaites.
Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Tom Belden; her son, Michael Sidney Yates, his wife, Hannah, and their children, Sydney Carlin and Joseph David; her daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth Yates-Roundy, her husband, Kyle, and their children, Allyson Louise and Michael Alexander.
She is also survived by her stepsons, Nicholas Belden, his wife, Hailey, and their son, Truett, and Christopher Belden; her sister, Sandra Mikelaites Lewis, and her son, Casey Lewis; her brother, Brian Mikelaites, his wife, Catherine, and their children, Ridge, Alyx, Tyler, Bennet and Caroline. Additionally, she is mourned by countless friends who she considered family.
Cindy Lou, as she was affectionately known, was born on March 19, 1961, in Abington, Pennsylvania. The family relocated to New Kent, Virginia in 1969, where Cindy and her siblings grew up and attended New Kent County schools. It was here that she met her lifelong best friend, Suzanne Alvis Bisczat, with whom she shared a 55-year bond. Despite the physical distance between them over the years, they always made it a priority to spend meaningful time together.
A 1983 graduate of the University of Richmond, Cindy formed a close-knit bond with her friends, “The College Girls”—The Two Lynns, and MaryShea. The foursome remained devoted friends for over 40 years, supporting each other through all of life’s joys and challenges.
Throughout her career, Cindy worked in various fields, including banking, human resources, and government contracting. However, she often said that her greatest role was being a mother, a role she cherished above all others.
In the summer of 2011, Cindy met her Prince Charming, Tom Belden. Their love story blossomed, and they later married, blending their two families. Tom was the love of Cindy’s life, and they treasured their time together, living life to the fullest. They both often expressed how fortunate they felt to have found each other.
In 2020, Cindy, along with her siblings Brian and Sandy, opened Jolene Family Winery in New Kent, a family-run business named in honor of their parents.
Cindy’s presence was a light in every room she entered. Her warmth, infectious laughter, and quick wit made her unforgettable. She valued her family and friends deeply, always ensuring they knew how important they were to her. Cindy loved music, particularly Jimmy Buffett, and was known to dance to Beach Music with joy and abandon. Her loving spirit and the happiness she spread will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Jolene Family Winery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to The American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Habitat for Humanity.
