Cynthia (Doucette) Tolley

Cynthia (Doucette) Tolley, born October 20, 1953, in Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Waterford, Maine. She was 72.

After high school, Cynthia studied computer programming at Northeast Regional Vocational School in Wakefield and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bentley College. She spent much of her career in information technology, including more than two decades at Skyworks Solutions (formerly Alpha Industries), supporting finance operations.

She loved making people laugh and, for a time, performed stand-up comedy. Cynthia had a huge smile and an even bigger heart. She also loved baking and was known for her incredible pumpkin bread, which she sold in Melrose and shared in larger loaves with her family. She also enjoyed skiing and spent much time on the slopes.

In 2007, Cynthia moved to Maine, where she enjoyed a quieter life, spending time kayaking on the pond near her home and watching the loons and wildlife around it.

Cynthia is survived by her sister Janet O’Brien of Salem, Massachusetts; her nephew Shawn Werder, his wife Cecilia, and their family of Enterprise, Alabama; her godson Tommy O’Brien of Salem; her nephew Dan O’Brien, his wife Jillian, and their family of Reading, Massachusetts; and many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Susan Doucette, Nancy Werder, and Carol Roche, and her brother-in-law John Roche.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Saturday, March 28 from 10am-12pm. Following the visitation the family will host a Celebration of Life at Harrington’s Restaurant, 17 Water St., Wakefield, MA.

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