Cindy was known as a planner and organiser, always thinking of others and this was reflected in her involvement with the Ulladulla Relay for Life where her team last year raised more than $13,000 for cancer research and programs.

Her death, following a long battle with illness rocked the community that she grew up in.

Family member Tom Law described Cindy as “encouraging and an inspiration to others”.

Cindy was born in Milton and lived in her family home in St Vincent Street Ulladulla.

She was the youngest of four siblings and attended St Marys and Ulladulla High Schools before taking up a job at Emmots department store, where Harris Scarfe is today.

Cindy and her soulmate Shorty Wheatley had known each other for a long time before he finally popped the question on Milton Show Day and the couple were married in 1995.

Tom said after the wedding, the couple lived in the old Wheatley family home at Yatte Yattah and Cindy dreamed of living in a big new home.

About six years ago the house was finished and she loved nothing better than entertaining her friends and family.

The past 20 years of Cindy’s life was a roller coaster as she battled myactnia gravis, a muscle condition, and three years ago, was diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer.

Tom said she fought hard but unselfishly and, in the midst of all her pain and suffering, she got up got out and continued to look after others.

“For Cindy it wasn’t about her it was all about others, family,” he said.

Cindy loved to cook and share what she cooked.

She loved chocolate, fishing, folk art and making things for others.

She loved her roses, had a good go at planking when it was fashionable and of course was partial to Summer Wine.

Cindy had an unbelievable great sense of humour which was straight to the point, earthy and blunt.

Tom said Cindy was a “very unique and remarkable woman, honest and loyal”.

“A perfectionist in what she did, always organised forever planning and preparing.

“Always, always doing what she said she would do,” he added.

“Encouraging and inspiring others to go that extra mile.

“Her final illness and battle for life did just that for so many.

“We as a community and as a family have been so blessed to have, known, loved and shared part of our lives with this wonderful human being.”

Ulladulla Relay for Life coordinator Caz Boland said, despite having only known Cindy for 12 months, she made an impact on her life.

“She was such a warm loving, funny, selfless person to be around,” Caz said.

“Cindy put her heart and soul into Relay For Life and I know it won’t be the same without her.  “Cindy was unanimously voted by the committee to receive the Heidi Brook award and, in true Cindy fashion, she shared her prize with her team.

“Cindy truly was one in a million and I feel so lucky to have known her.

“I am sure at this year’s Relay Cindy’s team will do her proud and be bigger than ever.

“Her infectious smile and her loving heart for everyone she meets will be so missed.”