Cynthia L Reese

Cynthia Reese, 85, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

Born in Lancaster, Cynthia was the daughter of Eber Oram Reese and Leonore Lentz Reese Rogers. Her life took her down many varied paths. After graduating from McCaskey High School, she attended Cornell University before moving to Munich, Germany with her newlywed husband. By the time she returned to the US, she had traveled throughout Europe, given birth to her two older sons, and finished her undergraduate work at the University of Maryland extension. She later earned master’s degrees from both Kutztown University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She spent much of her professional career working in academia in New Jersey.

Family and faith were important parts of Cynthia’s life. She treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and sisters. Her love of music was nurtured by her mother and remained a meaningful part of her life, particularly her appreciation for church music and singing. Cynthia enjoyed attending church and found comfort and joy in being part of her church community. She was an accomplished seamstress, an art collector, an avid reader, and a woman with a wonderful appreciation for jewelry and personal style. She took pride in dressing nicely and always making sure she looked her best. She was a member of both Rotary Club and Coterie Club.

She is survived by her three sons: Douglas and wife Patrice of Camp Hill, Thomas and wife Sheryl of Hollister, MO, and Benjamin and partner Jenny of Milesburg; sisters Kitty Moranz, Marty Thomas, and Nan Rinker; and her six grandchildren: Caroline, Paige, Ryan, Samantha, Michael, and Megan, and a great-grandchild, McKenzie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Philip Reese.

Family and friends will be greeted by Cynthia’s family on Saturday, October 17 from 10-11AM at Sell Chapel, Masonic Village, 200 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA with a Memorial Service to follow at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her memory to Masonic Charities, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.