Obituary of Cynthia Leona Langlois

Cynthia Leona Langlois was born to Valerie and Bruce Langlois in Lexington, Kentucky on October 26,1964. She grew up in Lexington, Ky, and graduated from Bryan Station High School. Cynthia was the first woman to receive a full scholarship to a D1 basketball team from Bryan Station High School and was recruited by the Wichita State Shockers where she graduated with a degree in journalism and minored in marketing. 

When she returned to Kentucky, Cynthia continued to remain active and was involved in weightlifting and fitness competitions. Her athletic abilities made her a natural coach,  which eventually led to her career in teaching. 

Cynthia received a master's degree from EKU and entered the field of education. Cynthia worked for Fayette County Public Schools as an instructional coach for the district, and taught Language Arts at Winburn and Crawford Middle Schools, but found her home as the Jacomo house leader at Tates Creek Middle School, where she also coached volleyball and girls’ basketball. 

Cynthia radiated in the classroom; her methods were unique and innovative. Her voice echoed throughout the halls and was loved by anyone who could hear her. Cynthia’s gift for reaching even the most challenging student was unparalleled, and there are thousands of lives that have been enhanced by the opportunity of passing through her classroom door for students and colleagues alike. Cynthia was also very active in her union, AFT. Cynthia was ready to speak up on behalf of her fellow educators and students. She did not shy away from the difficult fight, she was proud to be an educator.  

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, she would always reply, “Elise”. Cynthia was involved in every aspect of Elise’s life but was very careful to allow Elise the autonomy to become exactly what she dreamed to be. Cynthia always encouraged Elise to live her life to the fullest and to never settle for anything less than what she wanted. Elise was her heart and soul. Cynthia’s love for her daughter and the remarkable bond that they shared is what kept her motivated and granted her extraordinary courage and strength during her battles with breast cancer. 

Cynthia combatted breast cancer four times and was an advocate for breast health. Always the educator,  she informed those around her of the signs, always encouraging them to be vigilant in checking themselves and their loved ones. She was never afraid to share her battle scars, in fact, she wore them with pride and later tattoos that shared her story. 

Over the last 18 months, Cynthia bravely fought her last battle with cancer. Through it all she was the embodiment of courage, grace, and strength. She never ceased to be her remarkable self, cracking jokes and putting the needs of others first. 

At the time of her passing, Cynthia was surrounded by the love she cultivated in her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Elise Parker (23) of Lexington, Ky, her father Bruce Langlois of Lexington, Kentucky, her sister Kim McCally (Darrick McCally) of Texas, her two nieces Tara McCally of Texas, Lauren McCally of Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Valerie LaMontagne Langlois on May 28th, 2022. 

Cynthia’s immeasurable spirit will forever inspire all of those that met her on her journey.

#LangloisStrongforever. 

There will be a visitation for all of those that wish to pay their respects; the family will have a private celebration of life. 

Visitation will be held June 11, 2023, from 2 pm-5 pm at Clark Legacy

 601 E Brannon Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356

There has been a request for people to wear their Langlois Strong shirts, AFT shirts, school spirit wear, Blackbird gear, or anything that makes them smile. Please come ready to celebrate her life, and share stories. 

At Cynthia’s request,  she would like donations made to the Tates Creek Middle School GIRLS basketball team in lieu of flowers. You can send checks or cash to:

Tates Creek Middle School

C/O Isaiah McCall

1105 Centre Parkway

Lexington, KY 40517

Please make a note that your donation is in memory of Coach Cynthia Langlois