Cynthia S. Marcus

Cynthia S. Marcus passed away on May 7, 2026, at age 87, after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Quebec, Canada, to David and Sadie Steinman. After meeting on a ski date, she married William Marcus in 1962 and went on to live a rich and fulfilling life in Boston.  Cynthia lived a big life for a petite woman. She was devoted to her family, her friends, and her philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Jewish people.

Cynthia will be greatly missed by her husband of more than 63 years, William Marcus, and her children Melanie, Daniel, and Richard, their spouses Chris, Kim, and Cristina, as well as her 6 beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Zachary, Jonathan, Jason, Caleb and Madeline. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews.

Cynthia was a devoted mother and equally devoted grandmother.  Her commitment to her family was unparalleled. She was part of all the big and little moment in their lives. She held all of her extended family members in her heart and was always up to date on all their exploits.  Her partnership with her husband Bill was remarkable. And she absolutely treasured her many friends and was lucky to be central to a hugely supportive friendship community.

Cynthia grew more passionate throughout her life about Jewish education, Israel, and Jewish people in need all over the world. She was active in many organizations as a fundraiser, a board member, and a community leader. She never felt it was her place to lead, but she became a leader through her achievements. She was inspired by those she worked with, and they in turn were inspired by her commitment and her wise judgement. Many came to her for advice on all of life’s questions.  She was always interested in people and happy to give a shoulder to lean on.  It was her great joy to pass along her experiences to those who will carry on her fiercely held beliefs into the future.

Cynthia was famous for her gracious hospitality whether hosting her family for holidays or opening her beautiful home to the community for events.  She was an avid reader, a world traveler with her husband Bill, a baker and a chef.  What she loved most of all was time at her home and garden on the lake in New Hampshire with her family.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, May 10 at 10:30am at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley.  Internment at Mishkan Tefilah Memorial Park, 2619 Centre Street, West Roxbury.

Shiva will be observed at Cynthia and Bill’s home in Chestnut Hill following the service on Sunday until 6pm, and on Monday,  May 11, from 4pm to 7pm.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cynthia’s name to: Combined Jewish Philanthropies,  the Solomon Schechter Day School, Gann Academy, or the American Jewish Committee.

May Cynthia’s memory be a blessing.