Cynthia R. Rhodes Griswold

Cynthia R. Griswold, 75, of Durham died Saturday November 24, 2012 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness. She was born in Hartford, CT on July 11, 1937, the only child of Samuel and Gladys (Dean) Rhodes.

Cynthia had a lifelong and abiding interest in colonial history. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames. Prior to moving to Maine she was the Director of the Jonathan Trumbull House in Lebanon, CT and Curator of Interpretation for the Hyland House in Guilford, CT. Cynthia later served on the Board of Directors for the Tate House Museum in Portland.

Cynthia’s love of history could be seen in her passion for genealogy and her avid reading was mostly historical biographies. In keeping with her sense of history her pastime was given to needlepoint, quilting and rug hooking. She was an easy conversationalist and raconteur.

Cynthia will be remembered for her family leadership – a matriarch who had a depth of knowledge and a breath of wisdom that she lovingly shared with her family, deepening their sense of place, time and importance. Cynthia was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother – she really loved her grandchildren and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Cynthia is survived by her husband of 53 years, David Griswold of Durham; her daughter Debra G. Dawson and husband Tynan of Ashburn, VA; her son Roger Griswold of Cumberland; her son Thomas Griswold of Durham and her five grandchildren: Kimberly, Abigail, and Emily Dawson, Samuel and Bella Griswold.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday November 27, 2012 from 4 - 7 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME with burial in Guilford, CT at a later date. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Cynthia’s life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Cynthia’s memory to: Tate House Museum, Griswold Collection Fund, 1267 Westbrook Street, Portland, ME 04102