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Cynthia Murray Obituary
Portsmouth - Cynthia Murray, 72, of Ellensburg, WA died peacefully in her daughter's home in Portsmouth, VA on October 14, 2016. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Cynthia called Ellensburg home for almost 20 years and had a deep appreciation for the people and beauty of the Kittitas Valley. She received her B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Nebraska and her M. Ed. in Counseling from Boston University.
Working as an Academic Advisor and Counselor at Old Dominion University and Central Washington University allowed Cynthia to do what she loved best teach, mentor, and help others discover their best path. She also founded and operated a successful desk top publishing and translation business, Word For Word, in Norfolk, VA which operated under her leadership from 1984-1998.
A CWU "Woman of the Year" award recipient, she was the Co-founder of Our Environment climate action group and the Ellensburg Vegetarian Society. She served as President of the Kittitas Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation and was a devoted volunteer there for many years. A dedicated environmentalist and activist for peace, Cynthia was a tireless advocate for sustainable living and social justice. She had an insatiable interest in the world around her and felt profound joy when connecting with others. Her passions included gardening, knitting, reading, her husband, family, and finding humor in all things.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents Clarence DeForest and Gertrude Elizabeth Platt, as well as her eldest brother Charles DeForest Platt. She leaves her beloved husband James Lyman Schwing; daughters Sara Elizabeth Sigmund Brame of Cape Elizabeth, ME and Amy Brooke O'Donnell of Portsmouth, VA; grandchildren Nathan, Trevor, Declan, Elisabeth, and Kaleigh. She is also survived by her brother John Murray Platt of Rancho Murieta, CA, first cousin Ann Baugh of Chino Valley, AZ in addition to a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Spring 2017 in Ellensburg. Rev. Bill Graves and Rev. Lita Malone will officiate.
Memorial gifts in Cynthia's memory can be made to Kittitas Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Gentiva Hospice Foundation.
Loving Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.LovingFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Murray
Sponsored by the family.
Jani Niner
October 21, 2016
I send my condolences to everyone. Cynthia will be missed by so many people. Her light shined on many people, projects and issues. I met Cynthia at the farmer's market. Oh I loved those chocolate cookies. She cared about making the world a better place for us to live in. As a wealth of knowledge, she brought attention to many issues including GMOs when most of us knew nothing about them. She worked hard and helped many people. She will be greatly missed. Jim, my heart goes out to you and your family.
J F
October 21, 2016
To the family,
I am sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the broken-hearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family durning this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2)
With heartfelt sympathy-
Pam Zupan
October 18, 2016
I am sorry to read that Cynthia is no longer with us. She was a very special person. Working with her was always a pleasure!
Kathy Burns
October 18, 2016
Cynthia was my sister in law, and my husband Bob and I will miss her greatly. Cynthia's sense of humor, her knowledge about the world around us, and her relationship with my brother, their girls and all is truly inspiring. All our love and forever support, Kathy & Bob Burns
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Linda Irving
October 16, 2016
Cynthia was such a joyous person. I first met her in the 70's through a mutual friend. Amy and my daughter Emily were in Brownies together. My condolences to all the family. (Formerly Linda Brenner in Norfolk, Virginia)
Barbara Newman
October 16, 2016
I first met Cynthia while working in an anti-sprawl organization in Ellensburg. She was indefatigable, sensible, and caring. I was impressed by how many organizations she was involved in and by how much of herself she gave to them. She will be greatly missed in the town that is so much better for her having lived there.
Doug Throp
October 16, 2016
Cynthia was a dear person, full of life and interests. Her commitment to positive causes was strong and she will be missed by many. I had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her when she was residing in Norfolk, VA. It was always great to visit with Jim and Cynthia. She was a good friend.
Love, Doug Throp
Gabbo Galbreath
October 16, 2016
I offer my condolences to Cynthia's Family. May Peace be with you. I have many fond memories of Cynthia from her Word to Word days. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. May she rest-in-Peace.
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