CYNTHIA MARY HUSS-BATHKE March 10, 1954 – Feb. 21, 2026
Cynthia Mary Huss-Bathke — beloved wife, mother, friend, poet, and radiant force of love — passed away Feb. 21, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Cynthia, or “Cy” as she was known, carried the heart of her city with her wherever she went: resilient, compassionate, and fiercely devoted to helping others.
Cy embodied an unmistakable goodness that is rare in this world; one rooted in a deep kindness, generosity, and acceptance of others. Her spirit was gentle, yet strong, independent, and at times, rebellious and beautifully defiant. A quote she loved captures her essence well: “In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty” — Phil Ochs. She never hesitated to stand up for what she believed in, for the people she loved, and the causes she cared about—something reflected even in her car, a canvas of bumper stickers expressing her views on women’s rights, climate change, etc., a small testament to her fearless voice.
A gifted writer, Cy poured her heart into poetry that mirrored her spiritual depth, wisdom, and profound sensitivity to the world around her. Music was also a lifelong passion of hers. She played piano and guitar, and loved to sing and dance with friends.
Cy dedicated her professional life to uplifting and empowering women. Early on, she worked with children with disabilities in Chicago and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and later supported a women’s health clinic in Hightstown, New Jersey, while engaging with the Princeton Women’s Center. After moving to Los Alamos, New Mexico, she became deeply woven into her community: serving as Director of the Los Alamos Women’s Center, coordinator for Right to Choose, and volunteer health counselor for Los Alamos County Public Health office and the Women’s Health Service in Santa Fe. She later served as office manager for Dr. William Brown’s OB-GYN practice in Santa Fe. Her leadership and impact were recognized when she was named one of the “80 New Mexico Women to Watch in the 1980s” in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Chuck Bathke, and her daughter, Eryn Bathke. She also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, family, and community members whose lives are forever shaped by her courage, warmth, and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Chuck Huss; her older brother, Bill Huss; her father, Charles Huss; and her mother, Mary Huss — whom she carried in her heart always.
A celebration of Cy’s life will be held at a future date. In the meantime, those who wish to honor her memory are invited to do what she did best: lead with love, challenge hate with compassion, and stand for justice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to causes she deeply cared about, including the World Wildlife Fund, PBS, Planned Parenthood, and the National Organization for Women.