Cynthia S. Peterson

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Cynthia S. Peterson, 69, of Lincoln passed away August 20, 2024. Born January 15, 1955, in Holdrege, NE to Arthur and Mary (Jackson) Peterson.

Cynthia retired from Wells Fargo as project manager. She was former president of Fresh Start Home, served as president of League of Women Voters – Lincoln/Lancaster County, and a board member of the Lincoln Lancaster County Genealogy Society.

Family members include her sister-in-law Cheryl Peterson, Lincoln; nieces and nephews Scott, Matthew, and David Peterson, Linda Payne-Kitt, Nancy Payne and Steven Payne; great nieces, nephews, and cousins; honorary sister Ketty Rodriques Moro. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Bob Peterson, sister JoDell Payne, brother-in-law John Payne, niece Ann Payne, and great nephew Kayden Peterson.

Memorial service: 11:00 am Saturday, September 14, 2024, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive. Interment at a later date in the Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege, NE.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to Fresh Start Home or Phelps County Community Foundation.

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Services

September14

Memorial Service

11:00 am CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

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September 5, 2024

Although I didn’t know Cynthia well personally, I have greatly valued her leadership as president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln. Her devotion to the advancement of the democratic values of the League in our community will be missed by many.

– Sherry Miller

August 27, 2024

Cynthia was a good friend of mine. I’m still having a hard time grasping that it happened. I’ll remember the Lied Center performances, going to new restaurants, trips to Omaha, listening to jazz and spending time with her. She was the epitome of someone getting involved in social justice causes, petition drives, and serving on Boards such as Fresh Start and most recently as the President of the League of Women Voters Lincoln/Lancaster. I was always so proud of what she was doing. My thoughts go out to her family and her many, many friends and wide network of colleagues.

– Connie Benjamin

August 24, 2024

Cynthia was a valued member of our North Platte High School Class of 1973. Our prayers are with her family and her friends. She will not be forgotten.

– NPHS Class of 73

August 24, 2024

At the time of Cynthia’s death, she was serving as President of the League of Women Voters Lincoln-Lancaster County and Treasurer of our homeowners’ association, and was an engaged supporter of multiple community nonprofits and fine arts organizations. Cynthia was a remarkable leader who brought to the table decades of professional project management expertise, a high level IT skill set, and an expansive vision for the League’s mission and future. A gifted writer, she wrote dozens of published articles, letters and obituaries for other people. She carried a no-nonsense demeanor, but she was also a relentless cheerleader and encourager who inspired and energized many of us to reach higher and accomplish more than we ever believed ourselves capable of. She was a lifelong fierce advocate for democracy, for civil rights, for the underdog, for what was just and right and fair, and didn’t hesitate to plunge in 110% for the greater good, without considering personal cost. She introduced me to Fresh Start and its annual fundraising event, Project Funway, in which several of my grandkids enjoyed modeling my repurposed thrift shop creations over the years – and simultaneously learned the value of contributing to something bigger than just themselves. On a private level, she was also a good and faithful friend who was generous to all with her time and resources. She would drop everything to go out for lunch together, or share a glass of iced tea in her charming courtyard garden, if she knew I needed a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. It was my extreme good fortune that my path and hers crossed almost daily over the past 12 years in the capacities of friend, confidante, mentor, co-board member, civic comrade and neighbor. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our organization, but also in the lives of those of us who were privileged to know her. May you rest in peace, my dear friend.

– Carla Larson

August 24, 2024

Dear Family of Cynthia. I was just getting to know Cynthia. We were working a project for League of Women Voters of Nebraska. She was such a good, passionate leader. In the short time that I have known her, I have learned a lot. She had more to teach. She will be missed.

– Claudia Stevenson

August 23, 2024

Dear Family of Cynthia, she was a dear friend of mine. We worked together at Verizon. After retirement, we continued sharing time together. I really admired her intellect and service to her community. In my heart, I know God has welcomed her with open arms and taken away any pain she may have had at her passing.

– Cheryl Donner

August 23, 2024

Dear Cousin Cheryl and Family: I have many fond memories of the Peterson family dinners with all of the relatives in Holdrege, Kearney and North Platte plus growing up with Cindy. She was definitely a trailblazer plus definitely was a family history buff! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.