Obituary – Cyndi Smart

Community champion: Cyndi Smart chairing an awards ceremony in 2012. Photograph: Hackney CVS

Tributes have been paid to Cyndi Smart, former chair and treasurer of Hackney Council’s voluntary service (CVS), who tragically died on 20 March in an accident on Ashwin Street.

Hackney CVS chief Jake Ferguson described Cyndi’s colleagues as “shocked and saddened” when they heard the sudden news, adding: “Cyndi served on the Hackney CVS board for four years and was both chair and treasurer during this time. She led us through some challenging times and was a dedicated champion of Hackney’s community groups.

“She will be sadly missed by us all.”

After taking on the role of treasurer in 2014, Cyndi’s passion for her work shone through when she said: “Hackney CVS is securing lots more resources for the local voluntary and community sector. This means managing lots of subcontracting relationships. Making sure we do this with a strong handle on our project finances will be key.

“With my experience of supporting local groups at the Community Accountancy Project I am keen to help Hackney CVS achieve even more than it has already.”

Colleagues also spoke of how “tirelessly” she worked to support grassroots community projects across the borough by providing accountancy training and services.

Kishore Kanani, a senior manager at Hackney CVS and one of Cyndi’s closest friends, said: “She was a community champion who put the needs of others first and put her needs last. She was selfless, nurturing and empowering.”

A vigil, organised by Cyndi’s friends, will take place tomorrow at the Halveki Centre where she worked, and will allow people to pay their respects to one of the community’s leading lights.

Guests are asked to gather on the steps of the building at 31-33 Dalston Lane at 6.30pm with flowers and candles. A condolence book for people to leave messages and tributes will also be available.