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Cynthia

(Max)

Gross

Obituary

Cynthia Gross, who was best known for many years in the West Hartford community for her kindness, unmatched hospitality, selflessness, patience, and exquisite taste, died Sept. 26, 2020 at the age 99. As a talented homemaker, Cynthia mastered the arts of knitting, gourmet cooking, baking, cake decorating, and flower arranging. As a talented knitter, who continued knitting into her late 90s, she produced elaborate fair isle and argyle sweaters for her grandchildren and her friends’ grandchildren and baby blankets and “throw blankets.” She baked and decorated elaborate multi-tiered cakes for family weddings, and her treats for the children were locally famous. In the stoic New England tradition, she valued simplicity, subscribed to the concept that “Less is more,” and despite living comfortably, she always preferred to be humble and “understated” rather than showy in the way that she lived and dressed. As such, she decorated using mostly beiges and cream colors. A Hartford native, Cynthia was born June 3, 1921. Her family moved to Jersey City and Manhattan, and then returned to Connecticut, lived on Ardmore Road and she attended Hall High. She met Robert (“Bob”) Gross Sr. at a Confirmation Dance at the Emmanuel Synagogue, and they married seven years later at Beth Israel Synagogue after he enlisted to join the Air Force in World War II. Before and during the war, Cynthia worked at G. Fox & Co., where she befriended many coworkers who ultimately became the couple’s lifelong friends. Bob returned as a war hero after flying 33 combat missions over Europe, and they moved to Edgewood Street and started a family, ultimately having three sons. As the family grew, they moved to Sequin Road, where Cynthia and Bob generously welcomed a succession of additional relatives into their home with unflagging family commitment. Cynthia tirelessly cared for these relatives. The first was Cynthia’s father, Zelek Max, who had suffered a stroke. Then came Simon Weber (“Uncle Chopsy”), and then Aunt Sarah (Rothman). Years later, Cynthia and Bob moved from Sequin Road to Ironwood Road. When Bob’s Aunt Fan (Daniels) moved from Cape Cod to St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford and lived there for five years, Cynthia visited her daily, bringing her food she liked and providing good company. And when Cynthia’s older sister, Evelyn Marholin, was unable to continue living alone in Florida, Cynthia and Bob welcomed her into their home; Evelyn stayed for many years before eventually moving to Duncaster, where Cynthia visited her daily, often twice daily. Cynthia was always athletic, having taught local kids to swim, and took pride in teaching her children and even her grandchildren to ride two-wheelers. Active in the community, Cynthia was elected President of the Hebrew Home’s Women’s Auxiliary in 1956. She was a member of the Devorah Society within Hadassah. For years, she was active in the annual Strawberry Festival. Cynthia (Max) Gross was predeceased by Robert H. Gross, Sr., her husband of 73 years, and her siblings, Evelyn Marholin, and Sydney Max. She leaves her sons Andrew Gross and his wife Donna of Bloomfield; Robert Gross, Jr. and his wife Karen of West Simsbury, and Sigmund Wissner-Gross and his wife Elizabeth of Great Neck, NY; her eight beloved grandchildren and their spouses and partners: Sarah Gross Petras and William Petras, David Gross and Dana Slater, Robert Gross III and Sarah Quish, Peter and Kim Gross, Alex Wissner-Gross and Tim Sullivan, Zach Wissner-Gross and Randi Goldman, Philip Gross, and Mitchell Gross. She is also survived by her eight great-grandchildren: Sophia, Benjamin, Natalie, Oliver, Lucy, Wyatt, Callie, and Julian. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth Israel or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Cynthia, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.

Funeral

Deceased On:

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Service Date:

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Location:

Graveside
Beth Israel Cemetery

119 Affleck Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth Israel or to a favorite charity.

Guest Book For

Cynthia Max Gross

(Max)

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From: Chuck Sheketoff

From Silverton, OR

Posted On: February 1, 2021

I just learned about Cynthia's passing and hope the lessons learned and memories give strength to family and friends in the days ahead.

My parents loved living across the street from them on Ironwood Rd. My dad used to joke that because he dated Cynthia she was almost my mother. She gave my wife Naseem a copy of one of her favorite baking cookbooks, and I always think of her and Bob when we use it. What a full and wonderful life she lived. I am happy to have known her and been a recipient of her kindness and generosity.

From: Barbara Horowitz Halpert

From West Palm Beach, FL

Posted On: October 9, 2020

Dear Andy, Bobby, Siggy and families,

When I was getting married Cynthia bought me one of her favorite dessert cookbooks and inscribed, “we hope your life is as sweet as the recipes in this book always!” And when I would see her she would ask me if I had made any of the recipes - that was who she was! Her investment in others was immediate, clear and constant.

In 1976 when my dad suddenly died, she and your dad would stop by our house every day (for at least a year!) when they went out for their daily walk just to check in and see how we were doing. They’re smiling faces brought light and connection into a dark time which left an indelible impression on me. That’s who they were. Solid, kind, concerned.

My heartfelt condolences.

With much warmth,

Barbara

From: Denise Carron

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: September 29, 2020

Such a remarkable life. Such a wonderful woman. Cynthia welcomed us into her life with open arms and loving heart when Donna and Andy married. She held a special place in her heart with each new addition of our family. I used to love to watch her put her head together with whoever she spoke with, which I felt was her way of letting that person know how special the conversation was. We celebrate her life and will miss her strong presence at all the wonderful family gatherings at Donna and Andy's house. Love to you all. Denise and Wayne.

From: Lorraine Carron

From Windsor Locks, CT

Posted On: September 29, 2020

We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Cynthia was a loving, caring lady. Love and prayers to you all.

Aunt Skip and family

From: Niedomys

From West Hartford, Ct

Posted On: September 28, 2020

The Niedomys family is so sorry for your loss.  Your mom was a dear woman. She was so kind.  We feel fortunate that we had the chance to know her.

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