LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Oct. 8, 2016, family and friends of Cyndra Busch lost a beautiful soul.

Born on June 27, 1976, at Ukiah General Hospital where her mother, Joyce Busch had been born 35 years earlier, it was evident from an early age that Cyndra was destined to become a force in the creative arts and film world.

Cyndra, whose given name Cynthea means “moon goddess” in Greek, demonstrated above-average aptitude in creative writing, art, culinary endeavors, fashion, equestrian proficiency, dance and modeling. During her lifetime Cyndra never met a camera she didn’t love. It was apparent the feeling was reciprocated.

Cyndra began dancing as soon as she could maintain her balance. She gave performances on the huge fireplace hearth in her home and demanded her brother Craig “PAY ATTENTION.” Cyndra had a grace and flexibility and interpretation of dance, unmatched by someone her age. This held her in good stead throughout her modeling career and life.

Cyndra was enrolled in Hodge Podge Lodge under the tutelage of Vernise Pelzel and she participated in dance and plays throughout the ensuing years, ultimately being awarded the role of the Sunbow Fairy in the wonderful “Story of Orange.” This play was performed at many local and regional theaters and was very beloved by all.

The theme of Orange was every individual is special and almost anything may be achieved by repeating the mantra “I’ll try” and by putting one foot in front of the other.

Cyndra was also enrolled in Borenbega and her progression of talent was evidenced as she continued to perform in plays and dance. It was at this point that she was extended the honorable invitation to consider entering the San Francisco School of Ballet.

It became obvious to many that Cyndra’s creative force would open doors and follow her through most of her life. Cyndra was initially signed by IMG Models in New York but within the year she was scouted by Elite Modeling Agency in New York to enter the million dollar “Look of the Year” contest.

Among hundreds of candidates submitted from around the world, Cyndra was selected as one of the 10 finalists in the United States. She was 13 years old and remained with Elite for the next 20 years until she retired.

In addition to Elite, Cyndra’s local modeling agency was Metro in San Francisco and later Look Modeling Agency in San Francisco. Through these agencies, Cyndra worked all over the world including, but not limited to, Italy, France, Germany, the U.K., Canada, Mexico and Japan. Cyndra won both the commercial of the year award and the model of the year award in Australia.

Cyndra’s first television commercial was for the Make a Wish Foundation and her fist national print ad was with Seventeen Magazine. Many more national ads were to follow.

Because of her beauty, Cyndra was frequently hired by the hair and skin care companies such as Clairol, L’Oreal, Revlon, Graham Webb and KMS to name a few. These ads appeared in all of the major magazines in the U.S. and foreign countries.

Additionally, Cyndra also walked the runways in San Francisco, New York and Italy and modeled for I. Magnins, Macy’s, The Emporium, Bloomingdales and Armani and Versace in Italy.

Two of Cyndra’s memorable commercials were with First Union Bank and Dove, both of which were played during the Super Bowl. She also acted in commercials for Toyota and in Japan as a Geisha, additionally she was in some hilarious ice cream commercials in Australia, for which she won the aforementioned commercial of the year award.

For 22 years, Cyndra was the face of Pretty Lady Grapes in the U.S. and several foreign countries. She is still featured on the Sunlight International Web site.

Cyndra’s personal life included her passion and skill in equestrian pursuits. She showed her beloved quarter horse Skip N Chic who was trained by her father, professional horse trainer H. Buffer Wright. She won many ribbons and high point awards. Her horse Skip qualified for Cal Grand at the age of 27. Before an injury at age 14 ended her riding career, Cyndra had often beat adults in competitions, much to their chagrin.

Cyndra chose to maintain a very low profile most of her life. Many were unaware of the extent of her modeling and film careers.

Cyndra had a love of both NASCAR and local racing and she often went to the race track at Fontana, Sonoma and Avondale, Ariz. She was friends with one of Richard Childress’ racing crew members and was allowed to participate behind the wall, which she loved. Her favorite driver was Kevin Harvick who was with Childress at the time. Cyndra felt honored to have been filmed in Dale Earnhardt’s #3 race car.

It was a super fun time when Cyndra moved home and we all got together to support the #16M Modified race care to a championship with driver Mark Marek, Crew Chief Charlie Beck and John Wills.

Cyndra loved working with children and was often referred to as “the pied piper” or “auntie” as she led them in dance, games, songs or swimming. Her special bond with her brother Craig was evidenced by their interaction and shared love. They were fiercely loyal to one another and enjoyed riding horses, four wheelers and trying to outdo one another playing board games and cards.

Cyndra was predeceased by maternal grandparents Sen. Burt W. Busch and City Clerk Leonora “Babs” Busch and paternal grandparents Lincoln and Myrtle Wright, ranchers and residents of Kelseyville and her uncle Terry Wright. She was also predeceased by her faithful friends Jr. and Cowboy.

Cyndra is survived by her mother Joyce Busch, her brother Craig Busch and her father H. Buffer Wright. She is also survived by cousins Buffi, Rusty, Karen and Kristi and Uncle Marlin.

The family wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of love, concern and affection received from the many friends of Cyndra. A very special thank you goes to Jordan, who stayed the course and provided much care, comfort and support through this long, difficult journey.

Donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.