Cynthia Anne Ellis
March 4, 1951 - December 4, 2020
Obituary
Cynthia Anne Ellis, 69, died on December 4, 2020 in Seattle after a valiant ten-year battle with cancer. Cynthia was born March 4, 1951 in Wakefield, NE to Lester Ellis and Rowena (Krause) Ellis. She graduated from the Allen NE Consolidated School System in 1969 and from the University of Nebraska, with Distinction, in 1973. She also attended the Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpenteria, CA.
Cynthia’s legacy of kindness, generosity, beauty, and intelligence will live forever among her family and many friends, all of whom adored her. With great enthusiasm, she embraced a wide range of interests, including writing, singing, piano, baseball, dogs, drama, opera, and travel. She was beloved for her steadfast friendships, genuine curiosity, questing spirit, and wickedly playful sense of humor.
Whether dressing up as Patsy for an Ab-Fab party, reciting a Shakespeare soliloquy at a psychology conference, or singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, Cynthia was all in. She would drop everything if you needed a sympathetic ear, an emergency lasagna, or help on moving day. Everyone loved her sense of style and femininity––pink patent-leather heels, gorgeous shades of lipstick, a signature scent––but she was iron-strong underneath.
She volunteered for 20 years as a reader and reviewer at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. With her gift for empathy and compassion, she excelled at her job interviewing families of those harmed in traumatic accidents. She loved traveling with her friends to New York, LA, Paris, Tuscany, Mexico, Maui, and the Virgin Islands. All who met her were captured by her natural warmth, fine mind, melodious laughter, and steady, blue-eyed gaze.
She will be missed by many; those who knew her are “twice blest.” Cynthia is survived by her brother Brian and sister-in-law Roxanne, of Norfolk, NE; her longtime partner, James Gowin and his daughters, Jaime Gowin Thatcher, Jenna Gowin Farley, and Brenna Gowin; niece Hiedi Marr and her husband Josh Kesting; great nephew Jakson Kesting and great niece Aubri Kesting; great niece Jasmine Marr; and a slew of wonderful, fun, interesting cousins from one coast to the other.
Donations in her honor may be made to www.olddoghaven.org/donate-now/ or www.summitdogs.org/donate. Friends may sign her memorial page at https://bonneywatson.com/obituaries/. To request a Zoom link for her memorial, email CynthiaEllisMemorial@gmail.com.
Remembering the special times we had with Cindy in New Hampshire. With a heavy heart as I read her obituary this morning.
I’m so glad we got to touch base again, and so sorry she left this earth so soon.
Cynthia was an angel on my path and a very bright light no matter what she faced. She was an inspiration to me and a stunning example of how we can all be the best versions of ourselves. She was always there for me, and had a heart of gold. I loved coming home to find sweet gifts in the mail from her that she would randomly find that made her think of me, and I treasure them all. She is no doubt shining bright in Heaven now and singing so beautifully. You will always always always be in my heart and in my life dear friend. I will see you again, and like I said to you recently that you loved, you are surrounded by angels. ❤🌹👼
Blest to have known Cynthia for over ten years in a legal capacity and experienced her grace, generosity, and love of life, family and friends. I will miss her.
I had the good fortune to be Cindy’s roommate our freshman year at UNL We were both girls from small towns in Nebraska. She was a terrific, sweet person then too. I recognized her smile as soon as I saw her obituary picture in the Omaha World Herald. Have always regretted that we didn’t keep in touch over the years. Sounds like she had a very interesting and fulfilling life. Rest in peace, Dear Cindy..
She had so many great qualities, her warmth and creativity stand out, and she was always so kind. Truthfully, I can’t think of her without remembering how glamorous she always looked at fundraisers and events – she just sparkled, so lovely. I can’t quite believe she’s gone – my deepest condolences to her friends and her family.
Another angel born with beautiful wings and a smile and heart to match. You left this world too soon, but this world is a much better one now because of you. You will be missed more than anyone could ever know.