In Memory of Cindy Covert
Donation protected
You may know her as “Cindy Covert,” but we in her family knew her as Renee Barrientos, our eldest cousin with a big personality, jovial spirit and a heart that far out sized her small physical stature. Tragically, her life was cut short on Kiawah Island, South Carolina in what has become a heartbreaking international news story.
On Friday, May 2, Cindy was attacked by an alligator and ultimately lost her life despite a wholehearted rescue attempt by two gentlemen on the scene. In the end, police arrived and retrieved Cindy after destroying the gator. It is the substance of nightmares that will haunt us, her family, friends and those who witnessed the attack. Most of us have read the news stories and the onslaught of often unkind criticism. It is not how we want to remember Cindy.
She was kind, funny, loving so welcoming and as her clients have shared, a very talented manicurists with an unforgettable fun personality. With extended family spread around the country, during our visits she always greeted us with a big hug and a kiss and a lot of gushing; then she’d talk our ears off, and we loved it. We loved the talks. We loved the vibrant laugh. We loved her stories. We loved Renee and we miss her. The great irony of the situation was her love for animals. Whether it was her many pets, rescue animals, those of her friends, she fawned over them like children. There was never an animal she wasn’t trying or willing to help, which showed in her support for rescue organizations. Cindy had a great adoration and respect for all animals.
Cindy, who grew up in Ogden, Utah, was the first daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, and cousin. She was a best friend to all her friends. And for us, she was our family trailblazer clearing an untraveled path for her sisters, brothers, and cousins. Without hesitation, she shared so many stories, good advice, and pep talks to make sense of a tough day. Renee was truly tough enough to take the punches and still soft enough to care. Time spent with Cindy was a time of hugs, laughs, drinks, good food and of course… dogs and cats. If you were lucky enough, she cooked you her delicious seafood pasta and dragged you around town to say hello to all her friends and enjoy some good music. It’s time that will always be remembered and held close to our hearts.
Today Cindy is survived by her father Richard Barrientos and Carrie Lovato, sisters Regina Shaw, and Christine Hanson, and brothers Andy Barrientos and Richard Barrientos and her fur-babies Pebbles, Annie and her cat Puttytat.
To help defray the large and unforeseen expenses her brothers and sisters have taken on during a historically difficult financial time for our country and in the midst of dealing with their deep personal loss, we are asking for any donation you would feel comfortable making. Whether it is five dollars or 50, any amount would help. Funds will be applied to the funeral expenses along with legal fees, and administrative costs. Any leftover funds will be donated to Best Friends Charleston Animal Society and Keeper of the Wild - Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of South Carolina's wildlife in memory of Cindy Covert aka “Renee Barrientos.”
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Memories with family...
and friends.
Written in collaboration with Michael Barrientos (Madrid, Spain) & Maria Elena Barrientos (Long Beach, California), Cindy's cousins.
On Friday, May 2, Cindy was attacked by an alligator and ultimately lost her life despite a wholehearted rescue attempt by two gentlemen on the scene. In the end, police arrived and retrieved Cindy after destroying the gator. It is the substance of nightmares that will haunt us, her family, friends and those who witnessed the attack. Most of us have read the news stories and the onslaught of often unkind criticism. It is not how we want to remember Cindy.
She was kind, funny, loving so welcoming and as her clients have shared, a very talented manicurists with an unforgettable fun personality. With extended family spread around the country, during our visits she always greeted us with a big hug and a kiss and a lot of gushing; then she’d talk our ears off, and we loved it. We loved the talks. We loved the vibrant laugh. We loved her stories. We loved Renee and we miss her. The great irony of the situation was her love for animals. Whether it was her many pets, rescue animals, those of her friends, she fawned over them like children. There was never an animal she wasn’t trying or willing to help, which showed in her support for rescue organizations. Cindy had a great adoration and respect for all animals.
Cindy, who grew up in Ogden, Utah, was the first daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, and cousin. She was a best friend to all her friends. And for us, she was our family trailblazer clearing an untraveled path for her sisters, brothers, and cousins. Without hesitation, she shared so many stories, good advice, and pep talks to make sense of a tough day. Renee was truly tough enough to take the punches and still soft enough to care. Time spent with Cindy was a time of hugs, laughs, drinks, good food and of course… dogs and cats. If you were lucky enough, she cooked you her delicious seafood pasta and dragged you around town to say hello to all her friends and enjoy some good music. It’s time that will always be remembered and held close to our hearts.
Today Cindy is survived by her father Richard Barrientos and Carrie Lovato, sisters Regina Shaw, and Christine Hanson, and brothers Andy Barrientos and Richard Barrientos and her fur-babies Pebbles, Annie and her cat Puttytat.
To help defray the large and unforeseen expenses her brothers and sisters have taken on during a historically difficult financial time for our country and in the midst of dealing with their deep personal loss, we are asking for any donation you would feel comfortable making. Whether it is five dollars or 50, any amount would help. Funds will be applied to the funeral expenses along with legal fees, and administrative costs. Any leftover funds will be donated to Best Friends Charleston Animal Society and Keeper of the Wild - Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of South Carolina's wildlife in memory of Cindy Covert aka “Renee Barrientos.”
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Memories with family...
and friends.
Written in collaboration with Michael Barrientos (Madrid, Spain) & Maria Elena Barrientos (Long Beach, California), Cindy's cousins.
Organizer
Maria Elena
Organizer
Long Beach, CA