Cindy Edwards Levin

is honored with a Brick from Joan and Bill Edwards.

Our daughter, Cindy Edwards Levin, died on February 29, 1996, at the age of 42. We honor her life and her many accomplishments in this Plaza of Heroines on the campus of Wichita State University. To us, to her husband, to her brother and to all of those whose lives she touched, she truly emulated the attributes of a heroine.

Cindy's early life was spent in Wichita in the Riverside area. She was a graduate of North High School in 1972. Following one and a half years employment by the new newspaper in Wichita, she attended Emporia State University and graduated with honors in 1978. After graduation, she was employed for seven years in the Garden City High School as a teacher of special education, educable mentally handicapped. This led to a shift of focus and her decision to enroll in the graduate school at the University of Illinois in Springfield, IL. In 1987, she was awarded her Master of Arts degree in Community Arts Management--once again with honors.

For three years, she was Assistant Director of the Decatur (IL) Art Council. In 1989, she was married to Dr. Malcolm Levin of Springfield, IL. Their marriage was truly a "marriage made in heaven." Soon after, she had an opportunity to move back to Springfield and become the first Executive Director of The Dana-Thomas House Foundation. The Foundation was established to raise funds for the world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Springfield. While in that position, she was asked to serve as a member of the Arts in Education Committee for the state of Illinois.

At the age of 40, Cindy developed mouth and neck cancer, which claimed her life one and a half years later. She remained active in her career up to one week before her death, although during this time she was receiving chemotherapy, radiation and radiation implants.

Cindy was always herself, always the consistently same person to all people throughout her life. She treated all persons with the same patience and understanding. The child who was always the teacher and the "take charge" boss became the woman of organization and discipline who left no loose ends untied. She stood her ground at work, making the decisions and living them. She was a gracious good listener who made people feel welcome and accepted. Good humor, integrity, and honesty were ever present.

Cindy's surviving family, her husband, Malcolm, her parents, Joan and Bill, and her brother, Tom, will miss her forever.

Submitted by Bill and Joan Edwards

July 7, 1998