Cynthia Annette (Smith) Shively of Eureka passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the age of 68.

Cindy was born on September 4, 1957 to Larry and Nancy Smith in Hayward, Calif. She spent a portion of her early childhood in Washington with her aunt and uncle before the Smith family landed in their forever home of Eureka. Larry was a lifelong longshoreman and Nancy volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at St. Joseph Hospital. They would eventually buy Christian’s Ice Cream Parlor, renamed Smith’s Ice Creamery, where Cindy would work until the birth of her son, Cameron. She loved working there with the teens.

Cindy graduated from Eureka High School in 1975 and enrolled in College of the Redwoods. She would go on to attend dental hygienist school in San Francisco.

Cindy married her husband and love of her life, Thomas Michael Shively, on December 29, 1997 in Lake Tahoe. They would go on to buy James-Carl Painting and Decorating in 1999, which they would run together for the next 20 years until Tom’s death.

Cindy enjoyed traveling and had a love of music and concerts. She played the violin and piano. Her favorite entertainer was Elvis Presley and she visited Graceland, which was on the top of her bucket list. Cindy loved the 49ers and attended many football games throughout the years. She enjoyed going to her cabin in Ruth Lake and boating with her family and friends. She loved animals and many of us new her as the crazy cat lady. Every morning she would take great joy in feeding the family of deer that would come to visit.

She is survived by her son, Cameron Shively; step-daughter Sara Shively; grandsons Asher and Maverick Thomas Pugh; sister Dana Greathouse (Dan); niece Kyndra Williams; aunt Arline Luz; and many beloved cousins and their extended families.

Cindy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Shively; her parents Nance and Larry Smith; grandparents Laurence Smith Sr and Evenlyn Smith and Ernest & Anna Beidle; aunt Dorene Fowler; uncle Eugene Luz; and ex-husband Clifford Giacomini.

A celebration of life will be held on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bay Room at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Miranda’s Rescue or the Humane Society. Cindy loved her animals!

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Cindy Shively’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.