TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.— Cynthia “Cindy” Trause, a lifelong township resident known for her steadfast compassion, devotion to animals, and the quiet joy she brought to those around her, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21. She was 69.
Her obituary, forwarded from Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, notes that at the time of her passing she was surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends.
Born Dec. 17, 1955, Cindy was the cherished daughter of the late Vito P. and Theresa E. “Terry” Trause. She graduated from Westwood Regional High School in 1974 and never strayed far from the community she loved. Friends and family say she lived a life marked by gentleness, loyalty, and an ability to make anyone feel at home.
The family said her kindness was her signature—radiating warmth, patience, and quiet generosity to everyone around her. She opened her home for countless holiday gatherings and celebrations, where neighbors, coworkers, and longtime friends always found welcome and laughter.
Cindy had a lifelong love of animals—especially dogs. Her home was always shared with furry companions, and she gave each one her whole heart. At the time of her passing, she was survived by her beloved “fur babies,” Nico and Luna.
She was also a passionate sports fan—whether watching on television or cheering from the stands, Cindy followed the Yankees, Giants, Knicks, and Rangers with heartfelt enthusiasm. The spirit she brought to fandom mirrored the loyalty and fun she brought to all her relationships.
Cindy worked for nearly 30 years at Tension Envelope & Print, where her dedication, reliability, and good humor made her not only a trusted colleague, but a beloved member of the team. Her coworkers became a second family, and many of those bonds endured long after the workday ended.
Cindy’s family is widely known in the Township and beyond, especially through the legacy of her father, Vito “Pal” Trause, a decorated World War II veteran and former prisoner of war. A pillar of the community, Vito passed away Oct. 31, 2019 at 94.
Trause came from a family dedicated to service of our country, with two brothers also having served. According to Cindy her father went into the hospital the week prior to his passing. “He had slowed down. Two days before he went into the hospital he was at the bagel store [David’s Bagels at Washington Town Center] with his friends,” she said.
She added, “He also went to a Halloween party at the Golden Seniors in Washington Township, and then he declined quickly.”
Cindy said her dad was a special man. She noted that his 90th birthday party drew 300 well-wishers. A surprise that week, in which he was taken to be honored on field at Yankee Stadium, drew 175 local Vito fans.
Nov. 9, 2019, Cindy stood beside her sister, Victoria, at the dedication of the township’s new veterans memorial, a project her father had passionately supported before his passing. The memorial—the Eagle project of Troop 321’s James Stickel—which at the town library now serves as the anchor site for the Township’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day services, had struck a chord with him. As Victoria said during the packed dedication ceremony, “This was a very important project to my father. He was so enthusiastic about it… and when he said something was great, he meant it.”
Cindy, in her way, is remembered as always there—quietly, faithfully, and with love. Her sister Victoria, her devoted companion through every chapter of life, remembers her not just as family but as her best friend. “She made people feel cared for and understood,” Victoria said in her obituary. “Her presence was a gift.”
Cindy is survived by Victoria, her dogs Nico and Luna, and many adoring relatives, lifelong friends, and neighbors whose lives were brightened by her steady presence and enormous heart.
Visitation is Wednesday, May 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A Celebration Mass follows on Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cindy’s memory may be made to:
All 4 Paws Rescue
Voorhees Animal Orphanage
Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge