Cynthia Anne Schroeder-Gray

Cynthia Anne Schroeder-Gray (nee Jessup) March 8, 1937 - November 11, 2024

Cynthia Anne Schroeder-Gray, a distinguished attorney, former dance educator, and performing arts enthusiast, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, in Santa Barbara, CA, her home for over 30 years. She was 87. 

The first woman to practice law in Stephenson County, IL, Cynthia strongly advocated for children and families, devoting her practice to family, estate, and criminal law. She represented the Bar Association in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, practicing as an Associate Attorney at Francis M. Mahoney Associates and Kroger, Burt, & Demik Law; an Associate Attorney and Partner at Snow, Whiton, Schroeder & Fishburn Ltd; and in her private practice as Cynthia J. Schroeder, Attorney at Law. 

Born in Monroe, NY, to Clark L. and Janice M. Jessup (nee Heiss), Cynthia was raised in Poughkeepsie, NY, where she graduated from Arlington High School. Growing up, she studied ballet, tap dance, singing, and acting. 

Cynthia attended Ithaca College, earning a BS in Speech while continuing to follow her passion for theater, performing in collegiate musicals and plays. During her senior year, she met her beloved husband, William “Bill” R. Schroeder, of Columbus, WI, while he was on campus as a Marine Corps recruiter. 

Cynthia began her professional career as a teacher for the Harbor Country Day School in St. James, NY, designing and implementing its first after-school theater program before working as a certified teacher and speech therapist in the Hudson River Valley. During this time, she also worked in NYC, participating in secretarial, accounting, modeling, choreography, and dance work. 

Cynthia then moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended the American University Washington College of Law. While pursuing her degree, Bill proposed, and the couple were soon married in Pleasant Valley, NY, in 1962. Their union granted Cynthia a cherished place in Bill’s large and loving family, and she was forever grateful for their unconditional support, kindness, and friendship throughout her life. 

Following their marriage, the couple moved to Detroit, MI, where Cynthia graduated from the University of Detroit School of Law—one of only four women in her graduating class. 

During their time in Detroit, Cynthia also worked at the Detroit Cerebral Palsy Center, the University of Detroit Urban Law Center, Western High School, as House Council for the New York Central Railroad, and for the Dean of the University of Detroit College of Law. She also served as an editor, writer, and researcher for the Research Development Office in Washington, D.C.; a researcher, editor, and author for the University of Detroit Law Journal, Detroit College of Law, and Windward Journal; and an esteemed researcher for the Labor Rackets Committee. 

Relocating to Freeport, IL, Cynthia and Bill raised their two children, John and Katrina, until Bill’s untimely death in 1981. Cynthia remained in Freeport for 25 years, embracing the community through her work, volunteer service, and love of the performing arts. 

Cynthia served the Freeport community as a board member, fundraiser, and chairperson for organizations such as the Freeport Amity Society, Highland Area Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council Dance Panel, Rockford Dance Company, Grace Episcopal Church Vestry, Freeport School District #145 Citizens Advisory Committee, and Sojourn House. She also helped co-found the Ed Parish Dance Foundation and the Freeport Art Museum. Continuing to give back, Cynthia provided seminars for the less fortunate through the American Association of University of Women's Rights, The League of Women Voters, the YWCA, and the Freeport Education Association. 

Cynthia founded Freeport’s first formal dance school, the YWCA School of Dance, in 1968. As Artistic Director and a dance educator, she staged recitals for 12 years, including directing and choreographing one of the area's first full-length ballets, “The Little Mermaid,” in 1979. After closing her school in 1981, she remained actively involved in the dance world through her membership with Dance Masters of America. She also continued to support the theater community, performing in plays and musicals for 13 years with Freeport’s Winneshiek Playhouse and earning the award for Best Actress in 1986. 

While attending a medical conference, Cynthia met her second husband, Dr. Richard “Dick” K. Gray. Following their marriage in 1987, Cynthia relocated to Dick’s longtime home in Santa Barbara, CA, where she became the Executive Director for Girls Inc. in Goleta, CA, and the Casa Del Herrero in Montecito, CA. She continued her civic duty as a More Mesa Preservation Coalition board member and also served in her Neighborhood Association. 

Cynthia and Dick spent their retirement years traveling the globe, skiing, biking, sailing, spending time with friends and loved ones, and enjoying all that Southern California had to offer. Cynthia also continued pursuing her interests, performing with a Santa Barbara Senior female dance group and writing screenplays, poems, and short stories. 

A master seamstress, gifted gardener, licensed realtor, fashion enthusiast, licensed pilot, exceptional cook and hostess, and avid reader, among her many other accolades, Cynthia’s wealth of knowledge always made her conversations captivating and full of passion. Never afraid to learn or try new things, her appetite for life was evident through all of her lifelong endeavors and adventures. 

Cynthia is survived by her children, John D. Schroeder (Jinger) and Katrina E. Bierk (Robert); her stepchildren, Douglas Gray, Julia Gray-Heins (Carter), and Bradley Nelson (Christine); her grandchildren, Payton, Shane, and Pippa; her stepgrandchildren, Colin, Lauren, Miles, and Ruby; her loved ones, Lissa Flemming and Ann Flemming-Coburn (Thayer); and her many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and former students. 

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Clarke L. and Janice M. Jessup (nee Heiss); her brother, Robert S. Jessup; her first husband, Att. William R. Schroeder; and her second husband, Dr. Richard K. Gray. 

Cynthia will be laid to rest next to her first husband, William R. Schroeder Hillside Cemetery Columbus, WI. Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11 a.m. A service will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1833 Regent St., Madison, WI. 53736 Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Cynthia’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society - Colon Cancer Foundation, March of Dimes, National Public Radio, or your local dance school or theater.