Saratoga Springs, NY - On Thursday, January 20, 2022, Cynthia (Cindy) A. Boyka, 72, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer. "Songbird" will sing no more. Cindy was the beloved wife of Lawrence (Larry) Boyka for 31 years and loving mother to Ryan C. Masterson and his wife TaraLeigh of Wilton, CT, Kyle W. Masterson and his wife Catherine of New Hampton, NH, and step-son Michael Boyka and his wife Amanda of Erie, CO.  She adored her grandchildren Grant and Ashleigh Masterson, Carter, Ethan and Quinn Masterson, and Preston Boyka.

Cindy graduated from Cheshire High School (CT) in 1967 and went on to earn a degree in Music Education from Western Connecticut College in 1971, followed by a master's degree in counseling from The College of Saint Rose. She was blessed with the gift of a beautiful voice, earning her the nickname "Songbird" for her angelic soprano vocals. Her love for the arts began in high school where she performed in the choir and theater, while also studying piano. Cindy's unforgettable vocal talent combined with her authentic personality and energetic spirit led to her selection as Miss Connecticut in 1970, followed by her participation in the 1971 Miss America pageant. Cindy continued to share this gift of music throughout her life as lead singer for The Phil Restifo Quintet (1977-87), treasured music teacher at Lake Avenue and Dorothy Nolan Elementary Schools in Saratoga Springs and piano/vocal coach to many young students. Cindy loved the theater and participated in many productions of the Home Made Theater, Glens Falls Community Theater, Round Lake Summer Stock Theater, Galway Players and Local Actors Guild of Saratoga. She also sang as a soprano soloist for the Albany Mendelssohn Club and for many years was a member of the Skidmore Chorus. Cindy was the Choir Director of the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church where she was known for her rendition of "Oh Holy Night" at Christmas Eve services.  Her pure voice transformed the lyrics to evoke emotion and bring joy to those present at her many performances.

Cindy's kindness and loving spirit had no reserve and was shared with everyone she met, including many patients she enjoyed reading to as a volunteer at Saratoga Hospital. She loved walks in Saratoga State Park, beach vacations in Maine, long weekends with her girlfriends, visiting her childhood summer home at Haycock Point in Branford, CT and playing the piano and singing with her grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church at 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, on Saturday, January 29 from 2-3:00 P.M.  Funeral service begins at 3:00 P.M followed by a small gathering at the church.  For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/c/PresbyterianNewEnglandCongregationalChurch .

In lieu of flowers, Cindy's hope was to continue to give to others in her honor through the gift of music at the Home Made Theater or giving to the community she loved through LifeWorks Community Action .

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com