Cynthia Turnbull Obituary

Granville - Cynthia Ann Turnbull passed away on September 1, 2025, at her home in the Colorado mountains. Facing metastatic breast cancer with courage, she surpassed all expectations, living vibrantly for many years despite her diagnosis-such was her remarkable strength and zest for life. She often called herself "Pollyanna in a pith helmet," humorously acknowledging her unshakeable optimism and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Known to friends as Cindi, she was born in 1957 in Arvada, Colorado, to Beverly Thygeson and John Turnbull. She earned her BA from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her MFA in costume design from the University of Texas at Austin, where she became part of the artistic lineage of costume historian Lucy Barton and was deeply influenced by her mentor, Dr. Paul Reinhardt. Cindi brought characters to life through her extraordinary designs as a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Her artistry graced productions at the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Ohio State University Opera, Point Park Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Columbus' Contemporary American Theatre Company, and Theatre Quand Meme. She regularly garnered local, regional, and international recognition.

As a Professor of Theatre at Denison University from 1996 to 2020, Cindi designed over 2,300 costumes, mentoring and guiding countless students as both an artist and educator. Highlights of her work at Denison included researching, photographing, and digitizing an extensive historic garment collection; being honored as the first Jonathan R. Reynolds Distinguished Chair of Theatre; and supporting Chicago Scholars from the Posse Foundation.

Upon retiring, Cindi's creativity flourished in fiber arts. Just this August, her work was celebrated by the Marketplace Gallery of Trinidad, Colorado, who named her their Featured Artist.

Cindi's legacy lives on in her husband, Dana Berry; her stepmother, Judee Gonzalez (with husband Eli); her sisters, June Turnbull and Linda Keagy (with husband Fred); her son, Rankin Langley; and her grandson, Max.

Her family and many friends will remember not just her professional achievements, but the resilience, warmth, generosity, and infectious laughter that defined her spirit and enriched so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Colorado State University's James L. Voss Vetrinary Teaching Hospital (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/45209/donations/new) to honor a cause close to Cindi's heart.