Cynthia Bennett Swartz

Cynthia Bennett Swartz, 74, passed away on May 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
 

Cindy was raised outside of Cleveland, OH, by her parents, James Edward Bennett and Barbara Virginia (MacDonald), with her three loyal, if bothersome brothers, Doug, Bruce, and Mark.  She earned her Bachelor and Master degrees at the University of Michigan before taking a position as a research librarian at Brown University where she met the young doctor who became her husband for 40 years.  From Providence to Norfolk, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh, Cindy did not fail to leave an impression.  Known as “She Who Must Be Obeyed,” she was a sharp wit, a chic beauty, and a woman of strong opinions that were often correct.  She read voraciously and had a recognized talent for design, décor, and filing systems.  But away from expertly hosted parties and the city’s social scene, she was happiest with her chickens and other farm animalia growing more swiss chard and beets than anyone ever wanted to eat.

She will be missed by those she loved and those who loved her: former husband Bill Swartz; stepson J.D. Swartz, his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Kent (17), Ainsley (15), and Elizabeth (15); her nieces and nephews; and especially the members of her coterie.  But her absence will be most deeply felt by her two daughters, Barbara Doolittle (Benjamin) and Katy Kurd (Michael), and her grandchildren: Elsie (13), Kiley (11), Evelyn (10), Estella (8), Bennett (7), and Charlie (4).  

Family and friends will gather for an appropriately non-casual memorial this summer to remember her because the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.  Everyone has a story about Cindy that makes them laugh; please share yours with us. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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