Cynthia Louise "Cindy" Casale (wheelchair rebel), 59, of Williamsport, passed away unexpectedly at her home on April 29, 2026.

Born in Williamsport on May 2, 1966, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Janice (Bower) Casale.

Cindy was a passionate civil rights advocate, dedicating her life to advancing the rights and quality of life for people with disabilities. Cindy was a 1986 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and went on to graduate from Edinboro University. She began her career at the Center for Independent Living, where she worked tirelessly to make daily life more accessible for others. Her advocacy extended to petitioning the state to reduce waiting lists for attendant care and to increase funding for critical services. Her determination took her mission to the national level, where she led a protest in Washington, D.C.—famously calling home to report she wouldn't need bail because the jails weren't wheelchair accessible.

In her twenties, Cindy personally fought to change legislation that had once negatively impacted her. She organized a wheelchair protest and made a 10-mile trek through the streets to challenge the inequities of Bill 2013—in that session was an act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing: wheelchairs and electrical mobility devices a fight that ultimately led to the law being revised thanks to her persistence.

In 1999, Cindy was deservedly named Pennsylvanian of the Year. She was a trailblazer who defied societal limitations placed on people with disabilities, and a medical miracle whose resilience inspired countless others. Cindy lived a courageous, fearless, and purpose-driven life. As she often said, "I am not disabled—the world is."

Cindy is survived by the love of her life for 17 years, David Eastlake; her sisters Michelle Casale of Montoursville, Denise (Craig) Hiller of Weaverville, NC, Alisia (Tom) McNamee of Montoursville, and Gina Casale (Dave Bremigen) of Montoursville; and her beloved nieces and nephews Alden Hiller, Aaron James, Alex Hiller, Shayna McNamee, Cada Hiller, Chase Cole, Grace Hiller, Ryan McNamee, and Molly Cole. She also leaves behind one great-nephew, Alexander Hiller Jr. (Tex).

In addition to her parents, Cindy was preceded in death by an infant sister.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 133 E 3rd St., Williamsport, where a funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

To share a memory or sign the online guest book, please visit crousefuneralhome.com.