Community Mourns the Loss of Educator and Storyteller Cynthia Pomeroy

Cynthia Robson Pomeroy, a beloved educator and community volunteer, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2025, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, at the age of 92. Surrounded by family, her passing marked the end of a life dedicated to teaching, storytelling, and serving her community.

Born on August 12, 1933, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Cindy was the daughter of Robson Frank Pomeroy and Katherine Northrup Pomeroy. Raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey, she later moved to Greenfield in 2005, where she became an active participant in local initiatives. Her contributions included volunteering with the Literacy Project and the Friends of Greenfield Public Library, reflecting her deep commitment to education and community engagement.

A Legacy of Education and Service

Cynthia graduated from Cedar Crest College in 1955 and earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland. After spending 15 years teaching at Maret School in Washington, D.C., she embraced a role with Children’s Resources International, a USAID project. In that capacity, she developed a family literacy curriculum and traveled internationally to train teachers in countries such as Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman. Her experiences reinforced her belief in education as a powerful tool for cultural connection and opportunity.

Cynthia’s nurturing spirit extended beyond the classroom. She created a welcoming home filled with music and laughter, earning her the affectionate title of “The Coolest Mom on the Block.” Her guiding principles emphasized the importance of education for all and the moral necessity of including marginalized individuals in society.

She held a deep spiritual conviction, drawing inspiration from various faiths and advocating for inclusivity within her church community. A devoted follower of Jesus, she also appreciated the teachings of the Buddha and Muhammad, lamenting the misuse of religion for harm.

Champion of Stories and Community

In her later years, Cynthia discovered a talent for storytelling, captivating audiences with her humor and vivid imagination. Her stories often reflected her belief that laughter and well-told narratives could heal and unite people. She instilled in her family values of service, love, and resilience, teaching them to appreciate the simple joys of life, like making the most out of a Thanksgiving turkey.

Cynthia admired figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, and Nelson Mandela, while finding inspiration in artists like Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. Her vibrant personality and warmth left a lasting impression on her friends and family alike.

Cynthia is survived by her four children: Joy Peterson Heyrman, John Peterson, Andrew Peterson, and Elizabeth Peterson, along with seven grandchildren, one step-granddaughter, and one great-grandchild. Her marriage to Tom Peterson ended in divorce, but she maintained a wide circle of friends, including her “Merry Marys” women’s group and numerous book clubs.

The family expressed gratitude to the caregivers who supported Cynthia in her later years, particularly Tammy Johnson, who had assisted her since 2009, and the compassionate staff at Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.

Cynthia’s burial took place in a private ceremony at Highland Woods Natural Burial Ground in Montague, Massachusetts. A celebration of her life is planned for next spring, allowing the community to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on so many lives. Donations in her name may be made to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, reflecting her enduring commitment to education and community service.