Cynthia A. (Hobday) Roden, 81, of Hillsborough passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at RWJ University Hospital Somerset. She was the wife of Michael Roden and together they shared 55 years of marriage. Born September 10, 1935, in Coventry, England, she was the daughter of the late William and Phoebe (Gilbert) Hobday.
Cynthia was born and raised in Coventry, England during the difficult years of WWII and survived the frequent bombing raids during The Blitz. Following her schooling, she went on to work at Lloyd’s bank. She met her husband Michael in dancing class where she was an instructor and shortly after their marriage they started their family with their sons Jeremy and then Nicholas. Michael was offered a job opportunity in the U.S. and they immigrated in 1967, first settling in Valley Forge, PA and then finally in Hillsborough. Once in the U.S., they welcomed a son David and then a daughter Elizabeth. Cynthia took care of the household and made sure to raise her children to be independent and strong people. She loved to cook, garden, read, sew and volunteer at the local public schools; she hand embroidered neckerchiefs for the Boy Scout Troop 1776 for 15 years, that were a part of every troop member’s uniform while her sons were a part of the organization. Family celebrations, especially Thanksgiving dinner were an important event and the time to spend with those she cared about the most. She was a feisty, strong-willed woman with an eye-roll or a wink that always let you know exactly where her opinion stood on the matter. She was an inspirational, smart, fun-loving gorgeous lady who will be very much missed by all those who knew her.
Besides her loving husband Michael, she leaves her children Jeremy Roden and his wife Kathy of Levittown, PA, Nicholas Roden and his wife Janis of Scotch Plains, NJ, David Roden and his wife Michele Wegner of Stonington, CT, Elizabeth Roden Hall and her wife Wendy of Fitchburg, MA. Her cousin Susan Johnson, who was like a sister to her, and her husband Alan of Coventry, England; her cousins Joan and David Hobday of Coventry, England. Her six grandchildren – Andrew, Sean, Sarah, James, Allison and Timothy; her great-grandson Owen; along with many extended family and friends in the US and UK.
Honoring Cynthia’s wishes a cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held February 18, 2017 from 1-3pm at Hillsborough Funeral Home, 796 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation in Edison, Arbor Glen in Bridgewater and RWJ University Hospital in Somerville for their care and compassion for Cynthia while she was in their care.
Memorial donations can be made in Cynthia’s name to Humane Society or ASPCA
For online condolences, please visit www.hillsboroughfuneralhome.com