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Cynthia Ekstein Obituary
Cindy began figure skating competitively as a child and was internationally ranked as an adolescent. She was admired for her athletic ability and the precision of the figures she skated on ice.
Cindy began her career as a Materials Scientist at Raytheon Corporation, where she contributed to the success of many aerospace programs, including the Patriot Missile System and Trident Missile System. While at Raytheon Cindy was awarded several patents and published a number of papers related to Materials Science. She was recognized by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy for her research.
After a decade at Raytheon, Cindy moved to Washington, DC and joined the National Science Foundation, where she was a Program Manager in the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems. She was active in promoting NSF's programs and research in non-medical fields of science and engineering.
Cindy was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis when she was in her late 20's. She retired from NSF in 2008 as a consequence of the disease's progression.
Because of advances in M.S. research Cindy was able to lead an active life for many years after retirement. She spoke out about civic issues affecting her Arlington neighborhood and issues that affected Arlington County. She was often seen shopping and attending events on her mobility scooter.
Cindy was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her brother, Bruce Ekstein of Los Angeles and will be deeply missed by her beloved cats, Amore and Cleocatra.
Cindy's many friends and co-workers will celebrate her memory at a later date.
Contributions in Cindy's memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Kitten Coalition.
Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Ekstein
27 Entries
Donald Gamez
April 2, 2025
Doc, going to miss you very much. A kind soul and smart lady. I will certainly miss your whimsical way about you.
Sheryl Evans
March 31, 2025
I worked with Cindy at Raytheon in the 80´s and 90´s. In between we found time to play. Went to concerts, shopping, dining, work management events and Bear Birthday parties with her Mom and Dad. Oops, can´t forget her Ghirardelli ice cream parties. She was so much fun in her quirky one-of-a-kind way. :) Cindy was so spirited, fun, strong and independent. She will deeply be missed. Always remembered. Big hugs!
Friends
December 25, 2024
Cindy, we remember you and miss you and love you at Christmas.
Cindy's Friends
September 24, 2024
We remember and miss Cindy on her birthday, and every day.
Friends, Colleagues, Classmates, and Caregivers
February 14, 2024
We love you and greatly miss you, Cindy.
Alan Rohwer
November 3, 2023
Sorry to hear. I worked with Cindy at Raytheon in Massachusetts in the 1980s & 90s. Talented lady & gifted engineer.
J.H.
September 24, 2023
I will love you and miss you...always and forever. Happy Birthday, Cindy. Your Cats, Amore and Cleocatra, are well and happy and miss you too.
Friends, Neighbors, and Co-Workers
September 24, 2023
We remember Cindy on her birthday, and every day, with love and affection.
Friends
August 15, 2023
It's been 6 months since you entered eternal happiness. We love you, miss you, and remember you.
Janet - Raytheon
May 29, 2023
We miss you and love you on Memorial Day, Cindy. Our work at Raytheon, years ago, was ever so important to the preservation of Democracy in the World today.
J.H.
May 29, 2023
I love you and miss you on Memorial Day, and every day.
Tom
April 5, 2023
Cindy solved many hard problems related to Materials Science and Patriot Missile System development and deployment while at Raytheon.
Jim
March 27, 2023
Cindy's friends and neighbors held a Celebration of Life event in her memory on March 26th at the Stray Cat Cafe' in Arlington. We shared many memories from the 20 years Cindy lived and worked in Arlington County. Several of Cindy's colleagues from NSF attended. Cindy was a brilliant scientist who helped many young researchers at NSF advance their careers.
Continental Neighbors
March 16, 2023
Cindy, your friends and neighbors miss you...and love you.
Donald
March 8, 2023
Cindy had a tremendous work ethic and was always looking for opportunities to work and volunteer after she retired from NSF.
Susan
March 7, 2023
Cindy's co-workers held an emotional Commemoration of Life event today at the National Science Foundation's Headquarters in Alexandria. I remember Cindy as a brilliant scientist and a caring woman.
Janice
March 4, 2023
I was one of Cindy's neighbors a few years ago. Cindy loved her designer mink jacket, which was gorgeous. She wore it in Winter riding her mobility scooter, and I wish I took a photo of her then, because she was so happy.
Joyce A Simpson
March 3, 2023
Rest peacefully Cindy ... the world is a better place because of people like you.
CVH
March 3, 2023
Cindy worked with me on a program at NSF. She was a person with a great deal of inner strength and determination. But she also had her softer side - she bought herself a mink coat, which she loved and thought she deserved. She did indeed!
Barbara Ransom
March 3, 2023
Cindy was an amazing, wonderful, funny, and feisty person who did so much for so many people. She was always there to help others and would take a chance on those no one else would. She was a brilliant scientist and someone who appreciated the finer things in life. One thing I loved about Cindy is that she never allowed herself to be defined by her disability brought on by multiple sclerosis and went on to do amazing things in her professional and private life.
It was an honor to be considered her friend.
K.B.
March 2, 2023
Cindy was a brilliant gal. She was a great help to me in making the transition from bench-level work to management-type work.
J.H.
March 1, 2023
Cindy, I love you and miss you so much.
Allison
March 1, 2023
Cindy loved animals. She and her family had dogs when she was growing up and she was closely bonded with her cats at the end of her life. She had quite a collection of stuffed animals including antique stuffed bears.
Janet
February 28, 2023
Cindy was also a great swimmer, free diver, and scuba diver and had an awesome Hawaii tan after she vacationed there.
A.B.
February 28, 2023
Many thanks to Cindy's caregivers who helped her stay active the last years of her life.
Allan
February 27, 2023
I was involved with Materials Science Research while at Raytheon. Dr. Ekstein's contributions were critical to Patriot Missile System deployment and success.
Charles
February 27, 2023
Cindy was a great early promoter of Nanotech research at NSF.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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