Cynthia A. Sarao

Cynthia A. Sarao, born on November 14, 1953 to Tony and Sylvia Sarao in Houston, Texas, died on Saturday November 27, 2021 in Hammond, Louisiana. Cindy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Anthony Joseph Sarao and Sylvia Janicki Sarao; sister, Marianna; brothers, Anthony, James and Nick Sarao; and niece, Christina Sarao. She is survived by her beloved companion, Jean Sears; brother, Charlie Sarao; sister-in-law, Susan Sarao; and nieces and nephews, Stephanie Howell, Nicky Sarao, Caroline Askey, Valarie Molina, Ashley Gloriod and Anthony Sarao. Cindy was dearly loved by family and friends for her kindness, generosity and wonderful sense of humor. Her love for them was limitless and unconditional. She attended Christ the King School and was a member of St Pius X High School’s graduating class of 1972. Cynthia earned a BA degree in Theater Arts from the University of St. Thomas in 1976. She was one of the lucky few theater arts graduates who went on to work in “The Big Time.” God called Cindy home early to help with His entertainment committee because Cindy was privy to, and a part of, hundreds of wonderful backstage moments. She loved it all. Every part of theatrical productions and performances. She worked with the New Orleans Ballet Association, the New Orleans Opera, Broadway Across America, in addition to numerous companies and artists. Some of her favorites were Placido Domingo, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Allen Toussaint. Cindy became a member of IATSE Local 39 Stagehands Union in 1985. She held the position of House Fly Person for the Mahalia Jackson Theater of The Performing Arts in New Orleans until her recent retirement. For over 30 years, no show started at the Mahalia Jackson Theater until Cindy Sarao opened the curtains. She flew in each set, scene change for every production, an integral part of all performances. Cindy recently recalled fond childhood memories of her family's grocery store in the Heights Tony’s Superette and going to the Fisherman’s Mass at 4:30 a.m. in Galveston before fishing with her family on Sundays. A great fan of concerts, festivals and Mardi Gras parades, she lived life to the fullest. With an open door for family and friends to join her. In Cindy’s spirit, please join us for a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by A Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4419 N. Main Street in Houston, Texas. The Rite of Committal will follow in the Garden of Gethsemane at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Anthony Sarao, Nicky Sarao, Kenny Kaminski, Alvin Albert, Michael Hamala, Rick Hamala, Kurt Wellborn and Rick Nowak.

Cynthia A. Sarao

November 14, 1953 - November 27, 2021