Cynthia Marie Zook, 93

November 11, 2024

Cynthia Marie (Streckfuss) Zook, 93, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024. Born on June 12, 1931, in Springfield, IL, Cynthia was the daughter of George Streckfuss and Elizabeth Culver. She and her brother, Richard Streckfuss, enjoyed an imaginative and playful childhood, growing up in Athens, IL. She earned a degree in U S. History at Illinois State University in 1953. On May 19, 1954, Cynthia married her hometown friend and sweetheart, Donald G. Zook, who preceded her in death in 2003. They settled and raised their family in Germantown Hills (Oak Grove Park), IL. Cynthia also lived in Lawton, OK; Morton, IL; York, PA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Chico, CA; Monument, CO; and Madison, WI, touching the lives of many in each community.

A dedicated educator, Cynthia taught high school history before starting her family, and then served as a K-12 substitute teacher and on the local school board in Germantown Hills. She was deeply involved with the Girl Scouts both as a volunteer leader and as staff at the Kickapoo Council in Peoria, IL. Her dedication to volunteerism was evident through her many other community service roles, including elementary school room mother, Brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother, Welcome Wagon member, and active participant in the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was well-traveled, both domestically via family vacations and globally with her husband, Don. They opened their home and welcomed Thai exchange students Laa Archwichai and later Pacharin Sinwalan, who became true members of the family.

Cynthia was known for being an avid reader (and remembering what she learned) and was a valued book group participant wherever she lived. A lifelong learner, she was ever-curious and open-minded, becoming a respected friend, mentor, and confidant to many. She loved gardening, flowers, and imagining tiny fairy residents among her plantings. She held onto childhood joys all her life, dressing dolls (or a goose) for the seasons, decorating Easter eggs, and celebrating St. Nicholas Day. People knew her to be highly intelligent, humble, thoughtful, creative, and generous. She made others feel special, understood, and seen. She was incredibly proud of her family and loved spending time with them more than anything else. She is dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Cynthia is survived by her children Richard (Julie) Zook of York, PA, James (Lynn) Zook of Plymouth, MN, Elizabeth (Thomas) Theune of Cambridge, WI, and Margaret (Peter Willingham) Zook of Lancaster, PA, as well as 13 loving grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Cynthia had asked that donations be made in her memory to provide benevolent care at Woodcrest through Tandem Living or Attn: Development 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601 or phone 717-390-4105.

At a later date, Cynthia’s ashes will be scattered over the family’s Illinois farmland, joining those of her late husband, Don.