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DURANCE, Cynthia Jean Oct. 3, 1940 - Sept. 7, 2005 Suddenly, in Ottawa, of circulatory complications. Survived by her mother Ruth Durance; sisters Pat (James), Eva, and Sylvia (Alan); brother Timothy (Rebecca); nieces Carolyn, Jennifer, Sheila, Kimberley, Rebecca, Anna, and Victoria; nephews Michael, David, and James. Pre-deceased by father John Henry and brother John Richard. Cynthia grew up in Sarnia, Ontario and graduated in 1962 with a BA from Victoria University, Toronto. She received her Master of Library Science in 1967 from McGill University after working at Dalhousie University Library. Cynthia began her career at Carleton University. At Waterloo University, while Head of Cataloguing, she played a leading role in an international resource-sharing project. In 1974 she joined the Federal Public Service where she served with distinction for 25 years, initially in the National Library as Director of the Cataloguing Branch and later as Director of the Office of Network Development. She held positions in national and international associations and published widely in library standards and network development. Cynthia's subsequent work, in the National Archives, centred on developing archival descriptive standards, creating an archival database, and management of international archival holdings. After retiring in 2000, Cynthia began hosting foreign students in her home. She enjoyed their youthful company, their different cultural backgrounds, and the opportunity to help them adjust to Canadian life. Cynthia was a long-time member of the Zonta Club of Ottawa, a professional women's service club promoting women's welfare locally and internationally. Her generosity, concern for others, and lively sense of humour will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but especially by her many family members and close friends. A gathering to celebrate Cynthia's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the First Unitarian Church of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave. (map at www.uuottawa.com ) followed by a reception at the church. Friends and former colleagues are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Zonta Club, (c/o Elizabeth Gibbs, President, 9 Ancroft Crt., Ottawa, K2G 4A5) or the Canadian Cancer Society, Ottawa would be appreciated. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 9/13/2005