Cynthia Marie Baniak-Warth

Cynthia Marie Baniak-Warth, a cherished wife, loving mother, and soon-to-be grandmother, tragically passed away in a car accident on February 28, 2025, at the age of 74. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Cynthia was the only child of Stanley and Genevieve Baniak. She grew up in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, attending St. Wenceslaus Grammar School and Madonna High School. She later made her home at the Cliffs of Glassy, outside of Greenville, South Carolina before finally settling in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where she built a life filled with fun and family.

Cynthia is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Phil Warth; her daughter, Rebecca, who was the light of her life; her son-in-law Paxton; and the granddaughter she was eagerly anticipating. Cynthia also leaves behind her stepdaughter, Celia and husband, Ed; her stepson, Jason; and granddaughters, Lily and Leah; along with many extended family members that reside in Hilton Head, and other locations throughout the country and the world.

Cynthia was a graduate of DePaul University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Cynthia’s professional career included social work, most notably helping place newborn babies with adoptive parents. Cynthia spent most of her career in nonprofit communications and fundraising, notably as Vice President of Development and Communications at the Second Harvest National Food Bank Network. Cynthia later went on to earn her Real Estate license prior to her much deserved retirement in the Lowcountry.

Cynthia enjoyed traveling with family and friends and attending her daughter’s equestrian events. She would never shy away from helping family or friends in need at a moment's notice. In her later years, Cynthia played a major role as a caretaker for numerous relatives and she found great joy in comforting those in need. Cynthia was also a lover of animals, especially cats, and she always found joy and companionship in her furry friends.

Cynthia’s sudden passing leaves an unfillable void, but her legacy of love and kindness will undoubtably live on in her family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on April 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any or all of the following Charities in honor of Cynthia. · Gift of Adoption - https://giftofadoption.org · Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – https://www.davethomasfoundation.org · National Association for Social Workers - https://www.socialworkers.org.

Cynthia’s kindness, warmth, loyalty, and unwavering support for her family and friends left an indelible mark on all who knew her. We will always love her, cherish her, and remember her. May she rest in the sweetest peace, forever watching over her family, friends, and loved ones.