Cynthia Vail Stevens Strauss

Cynthia Vail Stevens Strauss, age 95 of Columbus died Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Wesley Glen Health Center. She was born August 19, 1924 in Charlotte, NC to the late Benjamin Alonzo Stevens, Sr., and Daisy Gage Stevens. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Eric Strauss, and three siblings, Marguerite Paul, Frank Crawford Stevens, and Benjamin Alonzo Stevens, Jr. Cynthia is survived by children Christopher Eric (Kathleen) Strauss, Marguerite Anna (Paul Harmon) Rice and Kenneth Stevens (Dora) Strauss, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews and beloved students. Cynthia graduated from North High School in Columbus, earned her B.A. in Music at The Ohio State University (1946), studied Vocal Performance in NYC where she performed professionally for three years before marrying Arthur Strauss to become a Navy wife and mother. Stationed in Pensacola, FL., Norfolk, VA., Warwick, RI., Washington, D.C., and Honolulu, Hawaii, her family benefitted from experiencing a variety of cultures. While in Hawaii, Cynthia sang with the choir at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Honolulu, directed their children’s choir, and on occasion sang with the Honolulu Symphony. Cynthia earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at SMU in Dallas, Texas (1963), while her children enjoyed everything the family dairy farm had to offer in agrarian experiences and the embrace of Stevens family members; the Navy years kept us far from family. Returning to Columbus in 1963 to begin her teaching career, Cynthia also earned an M.A. in Elementary Education at Ohio State (1968). Cynthia was an Elementary Teacher at Columbus Public Schools Fair Avenue Elementary and Stewart Traditional for 26 years. Cynthia was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where she blessed choir and congregation with her lyrical soprano voice. For a few years, four members of the Strauss family sang in the choir. For years, Cindy and a dedicated crew operated “The Book Worm” a used- bookstore in a basement classroom, appreciated by OSU students and parishioners. Having caught the love of roses from her parents, mom lovingly tended her rose garden and flower beds. She was a member of Delta Omicron Music Honorary Fraternity; Third Avenue Church Ministries, Sierra Club and Simply Living. Cynthia and Arthur were active in a Peace and Social Justice group, environmental protection action, Earth Day observances. From their home, they offered a lending library (books, videos, recordings) pertaining to the environment and peacekeeping. Our mother’s gentle spirit, wonderful, welcoming smile, and her generosity of heart put all she met at ease to feel welcome whatever the circumstance or place. She passed her deep faith in God on to her children. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, July 30, 2021 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 30 West Woodruff Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43210 with Fr. Karl Stevens, officiating. Graveside Service with Interment 1:30 pm Friday, July 30, 2021 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Worthington, Ohio. If you cannot be physically present, your prayers for the family will be gratefully appreciated. Father Karl Stevens suggests watching a live stream on St. Stephen’s Church & Campus Center FaceBook page; https://www.facebook.com/St.StephensColumbus Memorial gifts may be written to: St. Stephen’s Church & Campus Center, 30 W. Woodruff, Columbus, Ohio 43210 http://ststephens-columbus.org Thank you for the love you showed mom during her lifetime.

Cynthia Vail Stevens Strauss

August 19, 1924 - May 19, 2020