Tribute Wall
Friday
26
April
Memorial Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, April 26, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, New York, United States
Saturday
27
April
Memorial Visitation at Funeral Home
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, New York, United States
(631) 661-5644
Saturday
27
April
Memorial Service
10:00 am
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, New York, United States
(631) 661-5644
In Lieu of Flowers
Sagtikos Manor Historical Society
677 W Montauk Hwy.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Obituary
Cynthia Lee Theiss, of West Islip, but truly a Babylonian at heart after over 40 years teaching at Babylon High School, was sadly taken from us way too early. Her passing leaves a tremendous void in the social fabric of not just two communities, but in the lives of all who knew her. Mr. Rogers – a key inspiration in Cindy’s career as an early childhood educator (she famously founded a free community preschool in her high school as part of her early childhood development class, which to date has had thousands of successful graduates) – once said, when in need “look for the helpers” and that his recipe for success was three part: be kind, be kind, be kind. Cindy was all that and more. She helped whenever, wherever and whomever, from making quilts for the historical society to teaching unwed mothers how to cook nutritious meals for their new families, and always without complaint or the slightest need for recognition, and always with the most genuine of smiles on her face. Whether as friend, neighbor, colleague, volunteer, wife or mother, she gave all of herself, all of the time, and she will be sorely missed.
My best friend Cindy.
We met at Marshall Field, as part of the 1966 summer College Board that the big department stores had that served as advisors to young women college students providing assistance on what would be needed on campus. We were given a uniform, designed by Yves St Laurent, an emerging Paris Couture designer, which we wore every day. (I’d wager Cindy stashed that uniform at her home!) It was a time when young women were just emerging from the shadows of postwar suburbanism to attend college, empowered by the Free Speech Movement, anti-war demonstrations, and freed to explore their independent lives with the advent of the birth control pill. It was a heady time and yet an uncertain time.
We met each other’s parents and stayed overnight at each other’s houses. Cindy’s dad was quite chatty, describing his Scruggs family’s connection to Billy the Kid. We went on the share our times in college classes, being in the same sewing/tailoring, cooking/nutrition and retail classes. It was a time when the fashion business, child development, nutrition, and other “female roles” were gathered under the heading “Home Economics” at all of the agricultural land grant universities across the country. We both went on to be professionals and leaders in our respective industries: child development, sewing and life skills and other education for Cindy and the fashion business for me.
We followed each other’s lives: I was stunned as she told me she had eloped with her love Mike Theiss in the fall of 1967 and was now pregnant. I told her of my move to San Francisco and my divorce. I helped her move to a new place while she was giving birth to Matt. (They weren’t prepared to move their household of stuff!)
.
I continued to travel back to New York over the years as a buyer for Macy’s California and my own business, visiting her family and her in-laws, keeping up with all their goings-on. I remember Vik and Matt placing a bet with their friends that I was from California. I showed them all my California driver’s license. I brought them coins from my travels across the globe. Sometimes I sent postcards, too.
I remember asking for Cindy and Mike’s advice about buying a house in California. Their advice: “Don’t do it!” After just reroofing their house by themselves, suggesting a single woman buy a house was overwhelming to them. I didn’t listen to them. I bought that house in Berkeley in 1977 when single women found it nearly impossible to get a home loan. I sold and bought 2 more before my husband Jim and I purchased our current home.
And the birth of my son Mark was an amazing event in 1981. I brought him to Cindy’s house in 1982 when he was 8 months old, and she and her sons cared for him while I went to work in New York, commuting every day for a week. She stayed connected to Mark for the rest of her life. And she and Mike later visited us in San Francisco. Even Vik visited us with his first wife, borrowing my BMW Z3 for the weekend. He still remembers that trip.
She knew and loved my now husband Jim Warshell. We both experienced Mike’s tragic death and came to New York for his service. She and her sons were symbols of strength as they all came to terms with Mike’s passing. We met many of Matt and Vik’s cousins and friends that trip. One had been a Navy Seal. He was a dear friend and cousin.
.
As we transitioned to different lives, children growing up, having children, grandchildren, health issues and just living our lives, we continued to share our stories together. After we bought our San Francisco Victorian home in 2003, she visited us, experiencing the leaking roof with us. Later when Jim and I got married, she and Paul made the trip to celebrate our Mel Brooks’- themed wedding. It was a blast and great to have her with us.
And later, emails and phone calls to check in on each other…we never had to explain or provide background to catch up…we both just “knew”. It seemed we lived next door to each other all this time.
In late March, the last time I spoke with Cindy, I sent her my granddaughter’s new dress I had made. She sent me her sewing patterns she used for her own granddaughters, or meant to…. I knew she never threw things away but kept them, just in case. And now I have the patterns to make more.
Young girls today are not like we were and that’s a good thing. We both provided different examples of women in professional work settings making our way as industry leaders. We were proud of ourselves, as friends, partners, mothers, grandmothers, mentors and teachers, showing other people how to be themselves and be successful in their lives.
Godspeed, Cindy. You are always with me.
Gail
Loading...
C
Christine Jagels Vasilev posted a condolence
Monday, April 29, 2024
As one of the many grateful "pieces" of the beautiful quilt of people that Cindy wove together, I offer love, encouragement and support to every member of her ever-expanding family. You are truly her joy and legacy.
G
Gracie Long posted a condolence
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Our family loved Cindy for her loving embrace of us and the whole world. She is already busy getting ready to welcome us on our next journey. Love to you all as you progress as well.
The Thompson's Clan
R
Rosemarie Davis posted a condolence
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Cindy Theiss was an example of a life worth living. She was a blessing to her family, friends, students and church and will always be remembered with a smile and grateful hearts. What a joy and a privilege to have known Cindy. God bless her in her forward journey.
L
Laurel Coston posted a condolence
Friday, April 26, 2024
Generous, welcoming, warm, thoughtful, kind, inclusive, accepting = Cindy. With love and admiration
G
Gerald Fritz posted a condolence
Thursday, April 25, 2024
We were very saddened to receive the news from Paul. We spent a beautiful day in Orlando three weeks ago. We talked, we laughed, and had pizza together with Cindy, Paul, and Karen. Paul and I have known each other for years from way back in architecture school. Due to some balance problems, I would have liked to come but have difficulty navigating airports. We always found Cindy to be a welcoming, caring, and warm person who will be very much missed.
Thais and Jerry Fritz
J
Jackie Donofrio lit a candle
Thursday, April 25, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_green.jpg
I met the person who would become my future husband in Mrs. Thesis’s child psych class in 1998. She was one of the best teachers I have ever had. Sending prayers to the family.
J
Jesse Fawess uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
/public-file/9260/Ultra/a9a604d1-439e-4677-b150-7ec1313672f1.jpg
I’m still amazed by the impact an experience or person you encounter in life may have on you. I certainly would not have guessed my 7th grade home economics teacher would top that list.
Having Mrs. Theiss as a Home Ec teacher as a 12 year-old beach-brat surfer, I was more concerned with flirting and messing around in our little mini kitchens than learning to cook. I wasn’t disrespectful, but I do remember having inner thoughts thinking that it was weird to be as passionate as Mrs. Theiss was about every aspect of what we would be cooking or ironing, etc. I also noticed regardless of whether you were invested in the class or not, she treated you the same. She was all business, but kind. And everyone did what they supposed to do - there was no choice. I learned to iron, I learned some basic cooking, but it was just a class I had to take.
It wasn’t until I started Child Psychology/Preschool Class in 11th grade did I realize how adept an educator Mrs. Theiss was. Now 16, a bit more mature, and taking a class I was waiting years to be in, that same passionate, matter-of-fact teacher was imparting knowledge on a subject I loved - kids. It dawned on me that Mrs. Theiss wanted to share her experience with you, knowing that some students wanted that information, but more importantly, she knew we all needed that information. The ironing, the cooking skills, children’s needs and behaviors - all of what she taught had value. We would be using this when we were older.
Child/Psych - aka Preschool - was run like a college class. The amount of information Mrs. Theiss required and the expectations of us working with the preschoolers was high. Everything she said in class came true with the preschoolers. If you paid attention, Mrs. Theiss was always modeling what she taught as well. For me, it all just made sense. I loved kids and what she was saying felt effortless and natural. Mrs. Theiss reinforced this with me. A simple word here or there complimenting how I handled a situation, or using me as an example back in class the day after the preschoolers were with us, had me seeing that I had talent with kids. Mrs. Theiss did not give me special treatment, but added more responsibilities to the required course work without even asking me. She knew I enjoyed it. By the end of the year, she made me feel like her co-teacher. Other than art class, it was the first time in school where I felt unleashed and free to truly learn, be innovative, and practice skills in an authentic way. Of course I would be taking Child Psych II as a senior.
The next year Mrs. Theiss basically let me run the program behind the scenes. She knew what she was doing even if I didn’t at the time. Early in the year, she asked if I could stay after class. It was a non-preschool day. Once everyone left, she brought me over to the little hall/room between the kitchen and the preschool room - where the washer and dryers were (anyone from Babylon back in the day remembers). Two chairs were set up facing each other - interview style. We sat and she said: Jesse, what do you want to do in life? I indecisively explained that I loved architecture and art, designing stuff. That I wasn’t really sure. Mrs. Theiss smiling, listened. Then she leaned forward seriously and with a very Jedi-mind-trick-like motion toward me, said: You are going to be a teacher. I answered maybe. Like maybe an art teacher. She cut me off and said: No. You’re going to be a teacher. I’m not going to lie, it was a little awkward for a few seconds. I think I may have said okay, but I was just confused. Mrs. Theiss got up and said she’d write me a pass. While doing so, she let me know that I had a gift and that what I was doing in preschool class was special. Walking the empty halls, I vividly remember thinking: What just happened? Was she asking me or telling me what I would do with my life.
That moment would flash into my mind every time a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a guidance counselor, or anyone of the million people your senior year ask: What are you going to study at college? I will be forever grateful for that sit down. Mrs. Theiss didn’t change my mind. She just knew. She asked to see if I knew my calling yet. And by telling me, it allowed me to have evidence and comfort from someone doing the job. Someone who was the epitome of the job. Someone I respected. So when I needed to decide, it felt right.
Mrs. Theiss was there for me in college if I needed research, observation hours, or just to visit. She kept tabs on me when I student taught first grade at the elementary school. She wrote me a recommendation for my teaching portfolio. And when I secured my job teaching in West Islip, Mrs. Theiss visited my classroom for an exhibit my students hosted.
Ten years into my teaching career, it came full circle when my daughter started Preschool with Mrs. Theiss. Three years later, my son would be Ms. Brush’s first Preschool class, but Mrs. Theiss was still so involved.
Other than our yearly Christmas cards, I cherished bumping into Mrs. Theiss around town. Her positivity and energy was inspiring.
I am so thankful to have recently had one of those wonderful run-ins at the High School’s drama performance two weeks ago. Right in the lobby outside the Preschool room. It had been a few years without a face-to-face meeting. Mrs. Theiss asked me about our new one-year old, and told me my Christmas card was still up at home. She pointed to the Preschool room and said she’d never forget the Ninja Turtle bulletin board I made. She asked about my teaching, now in year 27. She said my students are lucky to have me. And I was finally able to tell her in person that I was lucky to have her, and that whatever I have been able to give them stems from her. We shared a nice hug.
I really wish I wasn’t writing all this less than two weeks later, but I am thankful she knows what an impact she has made on my life and my students. Although they may not know Mrs. Theiss, every student I’ve ever taught has heard her name when I tell them that we know each other thanks to her.
To everyone with a connection to Mrs. Theiss, to her family, to her friends, to her colleagues, to her students, I wish you happy memories at this emotional time. I know we’ll miss her presence, but we will have reminders of her greatness thanks to everything she did and said to us. I know it will be tough to see next time, but I won’t ever change Babylon High School’s number in my phone… because when it shows up on my phone it still says: Mrs. Theiss.
R
Ray (Ruirong Ji uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
/public-file/9259/Ultra/aaaac00b-519d-46c0-89ba-a6911c3e93ee.jpeg
Cynthia Lee Theiss, I call her Cindy. I have known her for 15 years. She was my daughter's teacher at Babylon High School when I first met her. We became good sisters after a chance encounter. I admire her kindness, perseverance, helpfulness, optimism... She taught me English, sewing skills, cooking skills... She often took me to school and community to volunteer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she invited me to participate in an online book club at her home. She was a person who never sat still. For many years, she held birthday parties for every friend around her. We often walked and chatted together. Every time I saw her, I would have a special feeling, like a sisterly love. She often said to me: "We come from different gardens, but we are the same flowers." Whenever I encountered difficulties, she was the first to appear by my side. Give me a hug, give me warmth, and give me the motivation to live. She was a person full of positive energy. She influenced me and inspired me. Her sudden death is hard for me to accept. We had many good plans: do needlework together, take walks together, and share Chinese and Western culture and food together. …….I miss you Cindy!
M
Marissa lit a candle
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_orange.jpg
Rip in peace Mrs.Theiss. Thank you for being an amazing teacher.
K
Katie Condra lit a candle
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_palepink.jpg
Ms. Theiss was so kind, so patient, so professional. She gave so much to us at BHS and to the communities of Babylon and West Islip through her volunteer work. It was wonderful having her as my teacher and eventually as my colleague. I know so many of us are thinking that she was one of a kind and that she will truly be missed. May she rest in peace.
J
Jessica Simone lit a candle
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_palepink.jpg
A wonderful teacher who left a lasting impression on all of her students! May she always be remembered.
N
Nancy M Lenz lit a candle
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_green.jpg
Cindy, loosing you created a hole in my heart that will never mend. Now I truly understand the meaning of having "a heavy heart". I love you, Sis.
Nancy M Lenz
C
Cindy Adriaenssens posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Words can not describe how wonderful Cindy was to everyone!
I offer this poem in her honor!
https://vilcare.com/teacher-poems/ Teacher’s
Touch
With a gentle touch, they shape the young,
Nurturing hearts, with love freely sprung.
A teacher’s hand, guiding the way,
Instilling values, that forever stay.
In words of encouragement, they build self-esteem,
Unlocking potential, like a priceless gleam.
They wipe away tears, mend broken hearts,
Empowering students to play their unique parts.
Their touch goes beyond the textbooks’ realm,
A caring gesture, a soothing helm.
For in their hands, lives are forever touched,
By teachers whose love can never be clutched.
L
Lynn Parks uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
/public-file/9251/Ultra/6549fc46-8272-4dd9-a642-044a2d0666e4.jpeg
L
Lynn Parks lit a candle
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_gold.jpg
Dear Theiss Family,
I’m sure you already know what a national treasure Cynthia Lee, Mom, Grandma was! She had a heart of gold & was a beautiful soul.
She left behind a legacy & life full of knowledge she so willingly shared along with so much love she gave!
I know how much she touched my small life in the times that I spent with her. She was my great friend, mentor, cheerleader & hero who always, always was there & so tirelessly listened & offering her wonderful words of wisdom!
Whenever I was with Cindy she exonerated an aura of golden light that was contagious!
I will cherish all the wonderful times we spent together forever!
I am sure you will be comforted by all the special memories & moments you ALL spent together! She was a devoted wife, mother & grandmother always sharing a photo or a story of a family member which she so proudly showed off! I enjoyed being the recipient of those memories!
God Bless you ALL ~I’m sure Cindy, Mom, Grandma will be forever embedded in your physical & mental beings forever & ever!
Gone too soon but truly not forgotten! I believe she is at rest & peace now & she is watching over ALL of you wherever you go through out your daily lives! Much love & hugs ~Lynn Parks
C
Celeste Topazio posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
I am honored, over my 35 years of teaching in Babylon, to say that I was a colleague of Cindy's at Babylon HS for 20 years. She was the ultimate professional and master teacher. Working with her on quilts and international night was always a highlight. But after our retirements from Babylon, it was even more of a privilege to have remained friends. We shared many hours at Sagtikos doing tours, educational programs and especially, for me, being a member of the Friends of the Manor Gardens. She and Paul headed our veggie area and we all reaped the bounty of their labor! Never one to look for that pat on the back- never one to be judgemental- ALWAYS positive. Cindy didn't know the meaning of "slow down!" We have lost such a loving and dedicated individual. She will be joyfully remembered along with all the other FMGers that have gone before her. Everytime we harvest vegetables she will be looking over our shoulders!
My life has been made all the richer for having known her and I know our paths will cross again.
L
Laura Clark lit a candle
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_palepink.jpg
Dear Cindy, It was my pleasure to have come to know you . Always so full of kindness and gratitude . Thank you for never forgetting to bring us candies or home baked treats, and for always adding your beauiful smile and warmth to our clinic . You will be missed . Rest easy
J
Josh Weiner posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
My mom is Diane Weiner. She was one of Cindy’s closest friends. I can remember playing in her home when I was young. She was always so happy to show me around. She would always ask me how I was and would catch up on our lives. She was a wonderful woman and I will miss her greatly.
J
Jody Haniquet lit a candle
Monday, April 22, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_purple.jpg
I am so very sorry to hear about Cindy's passing. She was such a vibrant, enthusiastic educator, innovator, collaborator, and mentor to us all in the FACS universe. Her love and passion for her profession was evident in all she did and her energy and commitment to service was unmatched. She had such a deep love for her family, her grandchildren, her profession and preserving history; I learned a great deal from my interactions with her over the decades. I wish you all peace and comfort as you bid her farewell for now. May you be comforted by the rich memories of times spent together and the support of all who knew and loved her.
With warmest regards,
Jody Haniquet
I
The family of Cynthia Lee Theiss uploaded a photo
Monday, April 22, 2024
/tribute-images/cropped/833/Cynthia-Theiss.jpg
Please wait
West Islip
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 661-5644
East Islip
200 East Main St
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-5600
Bethpage
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 731-5600