Cynthia Ostroff

1946 - 2025

Cynthia Ostroff
November 3, 1946 - October 30, 2025
Cynthia Rae "Cindy" Ostroff (née Neitzel), 78, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Branford, Connecticut. Born on November 3, 1946, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Cindy lived a life marked by quiet intensity, deep intellect, and unwavering devotion to her family and passions.
Cindy's academic journey reflected her lifelong love of learning and books. She earned a Bachelor of Science from George Washington University before pursuing a Master's degree in Botany from the University of Maryland. Her passion for the written word led her to Columbia University, where she completed both a Master of Library Science and an advanced degree in Book Preservation.
Her professional career was as rich and textured as the rare volumes she so lovingly preserved. Cindy ran the science library at Wesleyan University for five years before realizing she'd rather work with her hands then be an administrator and joined the book preservation studio at Yale University's Beinecke Library. There, she spent many years safeguarding literary treasures before concluding her distinguished career in Yale's Archives Department.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cindy was a woman of many talents and deep commitments. A passionate bookbinder and rare book preservationist, she found joy in the tactile beauty of paper and thread. She was also an active quilter whose intricate designs reflected her patience and creativity. Her love for books extended into community service as a literacy volunteer, sharing the gift of reading with others. Cindy also dedicated time to supporting housing initiatives for individuals with special needs-an extension of her belief in dignity and care for all.
Family was at the heart of everything Cindy did. She relished telling the story of how she and her husband, Robert, of 55 years knew each other for 6 weeks before they married. She raised her three children within the New Haven Quaker meeting community, instilling in them values rooted in compassion and reflection. Her daughter, Linnaea , her son Oliver-whose grit and determination she deeply admired; and Andrew-the entrepreneur of the family-were each cherished uniquely by their mother. Cindy shared a special bond with Andrew's wife Samantha through their mutual love of art and mysteries. Her grandson Finneas brought immense joy to her life; his laughter lit up her world.
Cindy also held dear her son-law, Kiva, whom she adored and embraced as an honorary Ostroff. Her love extended beyond biology or tradition-it was expansive and inclusive.
She was predeceased by her parents, Gerhard and Cren Neitzel. She is survived by her brother, Lee, who remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Cindy's home was filled with warmth-the scent of fresh-baked goods from her kitchen, shelves lined with beloved books, quilts draped over chairs like soft testaments to hours spent stitching stories into fabric. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by family: cooking meals that brought everyone together or simply sitting quietly with a good book nearby.
Traveling and dancing were among the joys she shared with her beloved husband Robert. Their connection was one of rhythm and resonance-a music that continues to comfort him even now.
A memorial service celebrating Cindy's life will be held at a later date. In memory of Cindy, the Ostroff family invites you to honor her passion for Vista with a contribution in her name at Vista Life Innovations-Cynthia Ostroff or Vistal Life Innovations, Development Office, 107 Bradley Road, Madison, CT 06443.
May Cynthia Rae Ostroff's memory be a source of light to all who knew her-quiet yet enduring, like the pages of a well-loved book or the gentle hum of a song shared between two hearts.