Cynthia Sue Michalko, lovingly known as Cindy, age 60, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care.

Born on January 3, 1965, in Elmira, New York, Cindy entered the world as a miracle baby, weighing just two pounds after a premature birth. From the very beginning, she demonstrated a quiet strength that would define her life. She was raised in Elmira by her parents, Stella and Nicholas Michalko, who preceded her in death.

Cindy graduated from Elmira Free Academy and continued her education at the Arnot School of Nursing. She devoted 36 years of her life to the nursing profession as a registered nurse, a calling she embraced with deep compassion and commitment. During her career as a travel nurse, she spent ten years living and working in Oklahoma before returning to upstate New York. After her return, she served as a nursing supervisor at the Canandaigua VA and most recently at Clifton Springs Medical Center. Above all else, Cindy cared deeply for the patients she served, treating each with dignity, kindness, and genuine concern. Nursing was not simply her profession, but a reflection of who she was.

She was preceded in death by her fiancé, Allen Harold Chopik.

Cindy is survived by her brothers, Nicholas Michalko (Joyce) of Elmira Heights, New York; Michael Michalko (Kris) of Canandaigua, New York; and Anthony Michalko (Sherry) of Horseheads, New York. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Liz Lutomski (Mike), Brianna Davenport (Scott), Matthew Michalko (Madison), Aaron Michalko (Hannah), Stacy Michalko, and Michael Michalko, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Cindy will be remembered as deeply loving, caring, and spiritual. Her presence brought comfort to many, both professionally and personally, and her compassion left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to visit Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Church, 140 Horseheads Blvd., Elmira Heights on Tuesday, December 16th from.5 to 7pm. Panykhyda will be held at 7 pm. Her funeral service will be held there on Wednesday, December 17th at 10 am. Rev. Fr. David Cowan will officiate. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery.