Sonoma community mourns Cyndi Horstman, 52

The SVHS grad known and loved for her ‘infectious laugh’ and ‘welcoming smile.’|

Longtime Sonoma resident Cynthia Lynn Horstman died on Jan. 7 due to complications from liver failure. She was 52.

Horstman was born in Greenbrae on Dec. 14, 1966 to Florence and Jerry Horstman.

She is survived by son Skyler Trygstad, 20, and daughter Addison Fitzpatrick, 13, who is currently an eighth grader at Sonoma Charter School. Horstman is also survived by her brother Dale Horstman, sister-in-law Andrea Beth Werlin and nephew Milo Horstman.

Growing up, Horstman attended Prestwood Elementary, Altimira Middle School, and graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1985. After high school, she attended Chico State University, where she studied communications and was part of Omega Chi Theta sorority. She then moved across the country, living in Florida, Texas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles doing both travel assistant work and nannying before returning to Sonoma.

Horstman dedicated most of her later adult life to caring for her two children. Horstman had never married but had her son Skyler with Kristofer Trygstad, who died in 1998, and her daughter Addie with Terry Fitzpatrick, of Sonoma.

“My mother loved both me and my sister more than anything else in the world,” said Skyler. “We were her pride and passion. She was constantly involved with our schools and lives and always encouraged us to do what we loved with no judgment. She told me to follow my heart and do whatever makes me the happiest and I will continue with that advice the rest of my life.”

Sarah Cess shared that Horstman, her neighbor, was her first friend in Sonoma.

“I feel so lucky to have been a part of Cyndi’s life,” said Cess. “We had a beautiful bond like no other, a true friendship, a sisterhood. I will never forget her infectious laugh and her steadfast love.”

Skyler added that once he was grown, his mother put her happy demeanor and people skills to work at both Steiner’s bar and at Broadway Market. He added that she loved to cook, and also found a passion for working out at EA’s Crossfit.

“She always loved to be surrounded by friends, family and her children,” he added.

“She was loved by so many,” added her friend of 20 years, Jade Yankee Filippi.

“Cyndi always filled a room with her welcoming smile,” said her friend and sorority sister Marlo Diaz-Haupt. “She was truly a friend who was always without judgment and only wanted the best for everyone.” Her friend Gina Isis added: “Cyn was a one-of-a-kind friend with the most beautiful soul. She lived freely and never with strings or judgment. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed.”

There will be a celebration of her life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3 at Vintage House at 264 First St. E.

Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.

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