VIDEO: Wenham Woman 'Always Looking Out for Someone' Honored With Makeover

Cyndy Morong has been giving all her life. Finally she has been recognized for it.

After a nomination letter by her husband, the Batchelder Park resident was named the Wenham Village Improvement Society’s recipient for 2011.

It is no surprise that Howard Morong, her husband of 43 years, sent a letter highlighting her good deeds - she is now helping him through his latest bout with lung cancer.

While taking care of her longtime husband and supporting him is a no-brainer, it is the many years of giving and helping that added to her list of qualifications for the honor.

“Cyndy is a very generous person. She is always thinking of other people and not thinking about herself,” said Barbara Locke, president of WVIS. “And the fact that she took care of other people – seriously took care of other people – shows what kind of person she is.”

Cyndy was honored at the WVIS annual meeting a couple weeks ago. Earlier that day she was given a makeover - the prize - which included her makeup and hair by on Main Street, an outfit from , a handbag from sac A main and jewelry from Bedorables.

“It is great recognition for Cyndy since she has done so much in her life," said Howard Morong. "She is always looking out for someone.”

In addition to working as a waitress at the for the past 30 years, Morong also was employed at VNA, a nonprofit home care organization, as well as taking care of a Boxford woman privately for 13 years before she passed away at the age of 99.

“I was ecstatic when I found out she had won,” said Howard Morong. “I put the nomination in and didn’t think she’d get it. I heard her on the phone (when she was told) and she said to me, ‘Howard, I am going to kill you.’ She didn’t know anything about it.”

Above all, it was a decision she made, after discussing it with her husband, which really showed what sort of giver Cyndy Morong is.

When well-known teacher Susan Lillie was facing a move to a nursing home, the Morongs offered to have the 86-year-old live with them. For seven years, in the early to mid-2000s, Lillie was part of the Morong family, though it was more than jumping in the car for a drive or watching TV together. Lillie required 24-hour-a-day care, but it was second-nature to Cyndy.

“The love I give to others is nothing compared to what I get back,” said Cyndy, who is still a little shy to talk about her recognition. “I like to give and I like to share.

“I don’t look to get payback, but I certainly hope that in my elder years someone is looking out for me.”

The idea to award the makeover that Morong recieved started last year. During a WVIS board meeting, the organization was looking for ways to spruce up its annual meeting. There had been speakers and demonstrations, but the almost 130-year-old organization wanted a more social component - recognizing a deserving Wenham resident was the result.

“(Cyndy) was a great candidate because she is so unassuming,” Locke explained. “She never takes time to draw attention to herself or do anything for (her own recognition).

“For her family, I think they are real happy that she gets something she deserves.”