In Memoriam: Cynthia E. Solomon
We are saddened to share this unfortunate news about one of our own. Cynthia Solomon is an icon in the hydrocephalus community — dedicating so much of herself to making others’ lives easier. She is a co-founder and lifelong supporter of HA. Her presence is irreplaceable. She will be forever missed. – Dawn Mancuso, CEO
Cynthia E. Solomon
July 12, 1947- May 29, 2014
Cynthia was born in Los Angeles and spent the past 41 years living in Sonoma, California. In her first 20 years in Sonoma she was instrumental in running the practice of her then husband, Dr. Solomon, as well as launching the Victorian Court Bookstore and founding a synagogue in the Community Center.
After her divorce she had many activities that fueled her passions including co-founding the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center and the Hydrocephalus Association. In 2000 her company launched a software product that addressed the needs of vulnerable populations and in 2012 she received the California eHealth Spirit of Excellence Award for her work with underserved populations.
Cynthia’s oldest son, Nathan, says that what set his mother apart was her tenacity, describing her as a ‘fierce’ woman who would “never take no for answer.” She was a firm believer in devoting her life to a cause—or multiple causes. “Her philosophy,” he said, “was you have to leave the world a better place. If you weren’t working toward that goal, you weren’t doing enough.”
In her final months, Cynthia received great pleasure from her wonderful friends and special comfort from her Prayer Group, her sister Daphne, her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her adoring children, Nathan (Brandy), Alex and Sarah and two grandchildren, Ben and Miabella, as well as stepdaughter Michelle Bryant (Steve). She is also survived by her sisters Daphne Matthews (Timothy) and Diane Henderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center or the Hydrocephalus Association.
A celebration of life will be held at Duggan’s Chapel, 525 W. Napa Street, in Sonoma, CA, on June 18th at 6pm.
We encourage our community to share fond memories or express condolences below in our Comments area or to visit the online Guest Book through the San Francisco Chronicle.
Spirit of Excellence Awards: Cynthia E. Solomon
Looking Back…Moving Forward: One Vision Built on Determination
Cynthia Solomon, SVCHC founder, dies. (Sonoma Index-Tribune)
Cynthia Solomon’s health care legacy. (Sonoma Valley Sun)