Cynthia Lynne (Salwen) Killian

Cynthia L. (Salwen) Killian, 62, of Huntersville, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023, surrounded by family in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In addition to her parents, Jesse and Martha “Marty” Salwen, Cynthia is survived by her brother, Barry and his wife, Vivian; a step-son, Joshua Killian and his wife, Attrie of Catawba, NC; aunts, many cousins, and extended family.
After graduating from Lehigh University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, she began her professional career at the family business, which kickstarted a lifelong profession in Supply Chain and Materials Management, finishing at Atom Power, Huntersville, NC in 2023.
Cindy was a giver, starting her volunteering passion at the local Children’s Hospital in her senior year of high school. She continued to devote her time helping special needs children experience fun and enjoyment through activities including horseback riding.
Volunteering at Special Olympics was Cindy’s passion, coaching horseback riding, softball, bowling and volleyball in the Staunton, VA area, Charlotte, NC. Cindy also coached for USA Games in Seattle and Virginia Beach and was selected for the roll of Sports Leadership Member at the Orlando games.   
Most of all, she loved her four-legged children, Dixie, her Golden Retriever and Dakota, her beloved horse.  She and Dakota developed an unbreakable bond created by their time together training and competing in horse shows up and down the East Coast.  She amassed an impressive number of award winning ribbons covering grade school, college and throughout her adult life.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Thornrose Cemetery, 1041 W. Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
The family requests donations, in lieu of flowers, to either charity made in Cindy’s name: Special Olympics of North Carolina, P.O. Box 27728, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27611, (sonc.net/support/give/) or Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary (horse rescue) P.O. Box 111, Glendale Springs, NC 28629, (www.southernsunfarm.com), or on Facebook.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton, Virginia is in charge of her arrangements.