Cynthia Wetherill Wallace

Cynthia Wetherill Wallace, 1917-2020, died at the Quadrangle, Haverford, PA, on June 21, 2020 at the age of 103. Daughter of William Chattin Wetherill and Isabel (Mueller) Wetherill, she grew up in Laverock, PA with Chattin, Fred, Isabel (Stapko) and Letitia. She was married for 37 years to Caspar Wister. She later married Joseph Bright and became loving stepmother to his grown children who jokingly nicknamed her “Wicked.” Following Joe’s death, she married Frank R. Wallace, and lived on his family’s historic Brookdale Farm, in Bordentown, New Jersey. They moved together to the Quadrangle, where he predeceased her. Cynthia is survived by her five daughters, Elizabeth Walcott of Milwaukee WI, Cynthia Welch of Albuquerque NM, Mary Rawlins of Bellingham WA, Isabel Wister of Oreland PA, and Anne Wister of Palm Harbor, FL.

Cynthia’s greatest joy was her immediate and extended family, including her nieces and nephews. She was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, very involved in the lives of her 12 grandchildren, many step-grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Children loved her and so did adults.

Cynthia was a natural teacher. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and was an accomplished watercolorist, volunteering her artistic skills throughout her life. She had beautiful organic gardens and all five daughters became avid gardeners. Her conservation ethic was strong. She worked for clean water in the Poconos, the Adirondacks, and the Wissahickon. She shared her knowledge of birds and plants. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church (Chestnut Hill), The Weeders (GCA), and the Pohoqualine Fishing Association, founded by her grandfather Wetherill. She loved swimming in the Pohoqualine mill pond, and she patiently taught youngsters how to fish responsibly with dry flies.

Daughters remember being dressed alike in the dresses she sewed, and in her hand-knit sweaters. Each Christmas, she made new doll clothes for all of the dolls. She taught us to sew, knit, and cook. Other interests were wilderness camping, canoeing, skiing, and tennis. Whatever she was doing she always made an extra effort over the less able, and made newcomers feel especially welcome.

Cynthia’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to the professionals who cared for her over the past years. We carry Cynthia’s bright spirit with us. Donations in her memory may be made to Philabundance.org. Please honor Cynthia through donations to Philabundance only. Please do not use a commercial florist.

Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.