It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Cynthia Aya Togawa, a compassionate physician, devoted mother, and cherished member of her community, who passed away on April 2, 2025, at the age of 44. Cynthia died peacefully at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut, after a courageous nine-month battle with gastric cancer. Her passing has left an immense void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and patients. The world has lost not only a brilliant doctor but also a loving mother, a dedicated spouse, and a friend whose warmth and kindness impacted the lives of everyone she encountered.
Born on March 5, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Cynthia was the daughter of Ritsuko and Kazumi Togawa. From an early age, she demonstrated a deep sense of empathy and a natural inclination toward helping others, qualities that would define both her personal life and professional career. Her parents, who instilled in her a strong sense of family and integrity, were instrumental in shaping her into the person she became. With their encouragement, Cynthia pursued her academic and professional dreams, eventually becoming a beacon of compassion and skill in the medical field.
After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, Cynthia’s passion for medicine led her to St George’s University, where she earned her medical degree. It was during her time in medical school that Cynthia truly began to shine. Her commitment to understanding her patients’ needs and her drive to provide the highest standard of care earned her the admiration of her professors and peers. She believed that being a physician was not just about diagnosing and treating illness but about forming meaningful relationships with her patients, listening to their concerns, and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserved. These values would guide her throughout her medical career and shape the way she approached her work.
Cynthia’s professional journey brought her to Whitney Internal Medicine in Hamden, Connecticut, where she worked as an internal medicine physician. Her practice quickly became a place where patients not only received excellent medical care but also felt valued and cared for as individuals. Cynthia’s warm and approachable nature, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her patients, made her an invaluable member of the healthcare community. She often went above and beyond in her efforts to ensure that her patients understood their health conditions and treatment options, taking the time to educate and empower them. Her colleagues also appreciated her collaborative spirit and her willingness to mentor medical students and younger physicians, sharing her knowledge and experience with those just starting their careers. Cynthia was not only a skilled doctor but also a teacher, a mentor, and a compassionate leader in her field.
Throughout her career, Cynthia was admired for her ability to balance the demands of her profession with the needs of her family. Despite the challenges of being a physician, she always prioritized her loved ones and made time for her children, Dylan, Chloe, and Remi, as well as her devoted spouse, Ken Matsuo. Cynthia and Ken shared a deep and loving partnership, supporting one another through the highs and lows of life. Their bond, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to their family, was a testament to Cynthia’s ability to nurture and care for those around her.
As a mother, Cynthia was devoted to her children, instilling in them the values of kindness, hard work, and compassion. She was involved in every aspect of their lives, from school events to extracurricular activities, always striving to be present for them and offer guidance. Cynthia’s children were the light of her life, and she took great joy in watching them grow, learn, and pursue their own passions. Her family was everything to her, and her love for them was evident in everything she did.
Cynthia’s journey with gastric cancer was one that demonstrated her remarkable resilience and strength. Despite the toll the illness took on her body, Cynthia never lost her unwavering positivity or her dedication to her family and profession. During her illness, she continued to provide support to her patients, mentor her colleagues, and spend precious moments with her loved ones. Cynthia’s grace in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on everyone around her. She faced her diagnosis with courage, never allowing her illness to define her or diminish her spirit. Instead, she used her experience to further strengthen her bond with her family, showing them the importance of living fully and embracing each moment.
In a heartfelt tribute shared by her colleagues and patients, many spoke of how deeply Cynthia impacted their lives. One patient shared, “Dr. Togawa made me feel like I mattered. She listened, she cared, and she helped me understand my health in ways I never thought possible.” Another colleague reflected, “Cynthia had a way of making everyone around her feel special. Her kindness and dedication were unmatched, and we all learned so much from her.” These testimonials speak to the profound influence Cynthia had on the people she worked with and cared for. She will be remembered not only for her medical expertise but for her ability to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Cynthia’s family, including her husband Ken, her children Dylan, Chloe, and Remi, and her parents Ritsuko and Kazumi, are left with a deep sense of grief at the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and daughter. They take comfort in knowing that Cynthia’s love for them will remain with them always, and her legacy of compassion, wisdom, and resilience will continue to guide them. Her memory will live on in the lessons she taught her children, the love she shared with her husband, and the inspiration she provided to her patients and colleagues.
As the family and friends of Dr. Cynthia Aya Togawa navigate their grief, they have made arrangements for a memorial service to honor her life and legacy. The service will be held on May 31, 2025, at The Unitarian Society of New Haven in Hamden, Connecticut, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The family has requested that attendees wear joyful attire to celebrate Cynthia’s vibrant spirit and the profound impact she had on the world. It will be a time for those who knew her to come together, share their memories, and reflect on the incredible woman she was. Cynthia’s memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who carry her teachings forward.
Cynthia’s passing is a loss that will be felt for many years to come, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched. The compassion she showed her patients, the love she gave her family, and the kindness she shared with her colleagues will continue to resonate in all those who remember her. Rest in peace, Dr. Cynthia Aya Togawa. Your impact on this world will never be forgotten, and your memory will continue to inspire future generations of physicians, mothers, and human beings. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow, and may they find comfort in knowing that your spirit lives on in everything you gave to this world.
The post Dr. Cynthia Aya Togawa Obituary, Death Branford, CT: Beloved Physician and Mother Passes Away at 44 After Courageous Battle with Cancer first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
