Obituary of Cynthia K. Hoetzer

Cynthia (Cindy) Hoetzer, 64, of Clifton Park, NY, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side after a courageous two-year battle with bile duct cancer. Born in Utica, NY, Cindy was the daughter of Walter and Jean Hoetzer. She was raised and educated in New Hartford, NY, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Spanish from SUNY Oswego. While working as a teaching assistant, she continued her academic journey, earning a master's degree in Spanish from Syracuse University. Cindy began her teaching career as an adjunct professor at Hamilton College before relocating to the Capital Region, where she taught Spanish at Ballston Spa Middle and High Schools for 30 years. Passionate about education, she achieved National Board Certification in her 40's a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in South America, fulfilling her dream of exploring Machu Picchu. Her love of language and culture was contagious – she inspired countless students and organized a longstanding student exchange program with a school in Valladolid, Spain. Cindy was also deeply committed to advocacy and volunteerism. As an active volunteer for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, she was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2024 for her tireless efforts on behalf of individuals living with epilepsy. A devoted member of St. George's Church, Cindy shared her faith through teaching Bible study and supporting her church community. Her many interests included travelling, reading, and knitting. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Walter Hoetzer Jr. and Jack Conley, and her niece Jacqueline Hamad. Cindy is survived by her beloved husband, Kevin Volk of Clifton Park; her sister Mary Jean Chapple of Walworth, NY, and Faith Ann Neilson of Manlius, NY; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, Ya Yas, and dear friends. A period of visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY. A Memorial Service will be held the following day, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. George's Episcopal Church, 912 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mandeep Bhamra and the dedicated staff at Albany Gastro, Dr. Mohamad Younes of NYOH, and Drs Rebecca Keim and Matthew Shalvoy of St. Peter's Hospital for the compassionate care Cindy received throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Peter's Community Hospice in Saratoga. To honor Cindy's memory, she also encouraged everyone to perform an act of kindness for a neighbor or friend – just as she did throughout her life.