Obituaries
Cynthia Bard Hollinger, 74
October 12, 2023
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the death of Cynthia Bard Hollinger on October 12, 2023. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Ruth E. (Koser) Bard.
Cynthia was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend. She dedicated part of her life to nurturing and inspiring the young minds of countless students as a Manheim Township High School Spanish teacher. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she instilled in her students not only a love for the Spanish language but also an appreciation for the diverse cultures it encompassed. She once co-led students on a two-week tour of Spain.
When on sabbatical to raise her young son, Cynthia volunteered at (the former) St. Joseph’s Hospital, and later worked there as Volunteer Director. Subsequently, she was employed for twenty-one years at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. There she coordinated four hundred volunteers of diverse ages, and planned yearly, formal Recognition Dinners, where tables were festooned with beautiful flowers and the evening was filled with laughter and entertainment.
Because she played the flute in the Conestoga Valley High School band, she was able to join it marching at the New York World’s Fair, and later, she clanged the cymbals in the Millersville University marching band!
Inspired by her father, she, too, was involved in Scouting, and led a Cadet troop of girls during both high school and college.
Cynthia found solace in the simple beauty of nature. She had an affection for birds, and enjoyed feeding and watching them. But, it was the turtle that inspired her motto: “Behold the turtle. She lives in a secure shell and does not need to be vulnerable, but, if she wants to get anywhere, she must take a chance and stick out her neck!”
For Cynthia, “Family is everything”; she appreciated her parents’ efforts in making her childhood fun and memorable: tent camping and beach trips to Ocean City, N. J., as well as youth activities in the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. She had loyal friends, who supported her through the Covid pandemic and her last years of illness.
Above all, Cindy’s greatest joys were her cherished grandchildren. She was a doting grandmother, showering them with boundless love, and creating countless precious memories with them.
Cynthia is survived by her loving son, Michael D. Hollinger; her grandchildren Julia Anne and Joshua Michael Hollinger and their mother Stefanie; her siblings Linda Bard Koch (Tom) and Jeffrey K. Bard (Nancy). Cynthia is preceded in death by her brother W. Cliff Bard, Jr. (Ann).
As we say goodbye to Cindy, we know that she has entered into eternal rest, but we will miss her beautiful self, and will always love her immensely.
“..Maybe death isn’t darkness, after all, but so much Light wrapping itself around us…”–Mary Oliver
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 24, 2023
My sincere sympathies to the family. i worked with Cynthia at many of those volunteer events here at Masonic Village. She taught me much about graciousness in various circumstances, and I think of her often with great fondness. Blessings, Marilyn Howell
October 21, 2023
Our deepest sympathy and sending thoughts and prayers. Cindy was a wonderful person and will be missed. She was our cousin but also a Spanish teacher in our high school and was very highly respected by all.
Richard Bard Family
October 21, 2023
My sincere condolences to Michael and all the family. Cindy was a college friend. We spent many happy times together. Over the years we would have occasions where we would bump into each other. Cindy’s quiet and gentle ways I am sure will be missed by all of you. God Bless you all!
Sherran Payne
October 20, 2023
My deepest sympathy to the family to lose such a beautiful person. She was kind and loving. She is now with her mom and dad and brother. Love Ann
October 20, 2023
Cynthia was a fabulous co-worker at Masonic Village, and I learned so much from her (such as how to wear a neck scarf) and felt so supported by her (the Music Therapy Program and my own music). She sent me and my husband Cris a birthday text just last month, consistently thoughtful. I will always think of her when I see forsythia…”For Cynthia”. We will all miss her dearly.
Ann Dinsmore
October 20, 2023
I met Cynthia as a resident volunteer under her direction at Masonic Village. Sweet and talented lady. Come to find out through her obituary that we were distant cousins through the Cliff family. Had I known, we would have had a lot to talk about. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. God Bless.
Kathleen Kelley Ross
October 20, 2023
Thoughts and prayers to entire family. Scoutmaster Bill was one of my heroes. Howdy Jeff the best (only) bugler I know. So sorry for your loss my friend. 🎩 Ken Keener
October 20, 2023
Kevan told me Cindy passed away. I have fond memories of her when we visited Lancaster. May those many memories give you comfort. Cheryl Hultman
October 20, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Cindy was a cousin of mine. Beautiful person. Love to all Phoebe Oellig
October 20, 2023
I will always remember the kindness she shown to me at a very difficult time. Her kindness gave me strength and I’ll always remember her for being a caring person. Kathy Dalton
October 20, 2023
This makes my heart hurt. I met Cynthia by a recommendation from the beauty shop. I did some small jobs for her. I enjoyed going to her house anytime I went. She was so delightful to be with. I am blessed in that she gave to me a small glass turtle that I keep in my purse and she shared with me her fondness of them and why. I have moved away so I cannot attend any services, but I want to let the family know that I knew all about you, especially the precious grandchildren. We shared a love of Valentines day too as it was my grandma’s birthday. She was just one of those people that touched anyone she met. God bless
Linda Pierce
