Cynthia D. Choate

Exeter - Cynthia (Cindy) Drummond Choate passed away on February 16, 2026 in Exeter, NH. Cindy was born on March 2, 1943, in Portland, Maine, the second of five children of Anne Strahan and Josiah Hayden Drummond. Cindy attended Waynflete School in Portland and graduated from Elmira College; later she received her M. Ed in counseling from Fitchburg State College and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. Her quiet grace and gentle spirit belied a fierce competitiveness in athletics, nurtured during long summers on Sebago Lake, where she perfected her water skiing skills. Her dedication and talent led her to win several competitions at the regional and national level in the trick, slalom and jumping events as a member of the Sokokis Ski club. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Cindy took up golf at the age of thirty and quickly distinguished herself through both discipline and natural athleticism. What began as a new pursuit soon became an arena for excellence, and she went on to win numerous championship tournaments, earning admiration for her skill, focus, and sportsmanship. Cindy was inducted into the Maine Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. Cindy possessed a remarkable capacity for care. She and her siblings lovingly nursed her beloved mother Anne through the long journey of dementia, only to face the same disease herself years later. Even in the face of this profound challenge, she remained resilient, warm, and quick-witted, her humor and spirit intact. Her gift for deep listening and steady presence led her back to school to become a counselor, where she devoted herself to supporting individuals struggling with addiction. She was respected by colleagues and cherished by patients who found in her a calm, compassionate anchor. Cindy maintained lifelong friendships from her days at Waynflete, valuing connection and loyalty above all. She remained a trusted friend and confidant to many, including her former husband, the father of her three children who were her greatest pride and joy. Yet nothing brought her more delight than her grandchildren, whom she adored completely and who returned that love in full. Her steadfast presence, authenticity, and quiet strength served as a guiding example to her extended family as well. Cindy was predeceased by her parents, Josiah and Anne Drummond and her brother, Josiah Drummond. Cindy is survived by her children Anne Choate Lombardini and her husband Carlo of Geneva, Switzerland; David Choate and his wife Christine of Wellesley, MA, and Timothy Choate and his wife Amy of North Hampton, NH. Cindy had seven grandchildren; Alessandro and Cosimo Lombardini of Geneva, Switzerland; Matthew, Nicholas and Stella Choate of Wellesley, MA; Hayden and James Choate of North Hampton, NH. She is also survived by her brothers, James Drummond of Center Conway, NH and Andrew Drummond of Freedom, NH, and her sister, Nancy Tindal of Boothbay, ME. She was also blessed with many loving nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward. A Celebration of Life for Cindy is being planned for May, 2026. Dates and times will be announced here shortly.

Cynthia D. Choate

March 2, 1943 - February 16, 2026