Cynthia was love and light. That’s the best way I can describe her and how I’ll always remember her. 

I babysat Olivia and Rose. You two are so beautiful. 

I’m so sorry for your loss :(

Cynthia Pepper was a force of nature! She was one of the kindest, boldest, bravest, direct, honest, gutsy, generous, unique, creative, loving, sweet, supportive and enthusiastic human beings, and one of the great teachers to me and so many, on so many levels, whom I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

I channel my inner-Cynthia in mustering up the courage to tell the story of when we met almost 34 years ago ….. We were both showering in the communal shower area in the Marin JCC women’s locker room — and yes, all dolled up in our birthday suits, hers of which I thought was way cuter than mine ;-)….. Cynthia struck up a conversation with me (not a stretch to imagine), and within a couple minutes of chatting, she shared her very sad story in great detail to me of recently having had a still-birth at the hospital. Honestly, I was stunned at first. If it were not weird enough that we were having this deep and exposed conversation just meeting for the first time, but also very physically exposed being stark naked. In both of our separate vulnerabilities, there was nothing else for me to do but listen with an open and caring heart. This is what I mean about Cynthia being one of my greatest teachers. She showed me, in that kind-of-weird one-of-a-kind moment, that it is okay to put yourself out there and give others an opportunity to show they care and share their love — even to a stranger they have just met for the very first time — and even, minus their clothing. Even though it was her painful story she was conveying to me, in her refreshing honestly, in a way only Cynthia could pull off, she magically somehow put me at ease to be able to be present to her at a time of need. It takes a strong person to ask, even in the most subtle of ways, for what they need. I will be forever grateful for our first, slightly awkward, truly sincere, compassionate and connecting encounter, and teaching moment of the great Cynthia Pepper! Fortunately, there were many more of those beloved moments to come over the years, which I will also hold fondly in my heart.

Thank you Cynthia for giving us all permission to be exactly who we truly are, that which you did without hesitation or apology. I am quite certain you are resting in peace, and basking in all the love and light you gave out so freely to us, now for yourself. May your memory be a blessing my friend. z”l ❤️

Radiant Cynthia

Cynthia came over and was walking a mile that I had borrowed named Traveler. He just pushed her all around!!

With love and remembrance, we share in your sorrow. ❤️

— with Cynthia with Mojave Blaze

Cynthia was a big part of my life and I will miss her greatly. For the last 15+ years, since my dad first met her in printmaking class at College of Marin, I have helped her with all kinds of creative projects (video editing for some of her wildly imaginative films, managing her various websites, a variety of graphic design projects, and even driving her daughters around to orthodontist appointments, etc. before they got their drivers licenses). She was such a sunny, positive person with a vivid imagination and zest for life. The world won't be the same without her. Rest in peace <3.

I am so sorry to hear about Cynthia's passing. Years ago, Cynthia taught dance to each of our kids at Sun Valley School for their annual dance festival. I cannot imagine the number of kids whose lives she touched with her warm, yet demanding instruction. She was especially kind and patient with our daughter Zoe, but she also pushed Zoe to work up to her potential; I really appreciated the balance that Cynthia struck with Zoe in this regard. Most recently I would run into her at the gym, and we'd chat in the locker room. We realized we had Rabbi Benny in Utah in common, she would tell me--with pride-- about what her daughters were up to, and I was looking forward to seeing her artwork at her recent show that she unfortunately had to cancel. What struck me most when I'd see Cynthia was her attitude and constant smile. I imagine she didn't always feel like smiling, but she always managed to do so, and it certainly brightened my day and those around her. May her memory be for a blessing. Warmly, Lisa Soll Epstein

Choreography by Cynthia

My condolences to Val, Olivia and Rose. We love her so much as she did with us. She will be deeply missed.

Omar Ledezma Jr. & Family.