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Obituaries

Cynthia Ann Hestand

06/15/1955 - 04/18/2023

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Obituary For Cynthia Ann Hestand

Cynthia Ann Hestand, 67, of Sherman, Texas, passed away on April 18, 2023, in Sherman after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at Dannel Funeral Home with Giles Brown, of Western Heights Church of Christ, officiating. There will be a visitation reception at Dannel Funeral Home following the service.

Cynthia was born in Sherman, Texas, to Mary Cole Hestand and Howard A. Hestand, Jr., on June 15, 1955. She graduated from Sherman High School in 1973. She graduated from Austin College with Bachelor’s Degrees in Theater and English and a Master’s in English. Cynthia worked as a stage actress and director in Dallas area theaters for over three decades and off-Broadway in New York City. She worked as an actress and director at Jack Clay’s theater, Stage #1 in Dallas. She was co-founder of The Open Stage Theater in Dallas where she was a director for ten years. In February 2007, she served as an assistant director for the “Broadway Backwards 2” benefit in New York City. Cynthia was also a favorite director at the Contemporary Theatre of Dallas where she directed such plays as Steel Magnolias, Rabbit Hole, Marvin’s Room, Crimes of the Heart, The Oldest Living Graduate, Lonestar, and Laundry and Bourbon. In July 2014, she was chosen as the director for the New York debut of the Contemporary Theatre of Dallas production of Lonestar and Laundry and Bourbon. These one-act plays by playwright James McClure debuted at the Clurman Theater on 42 nd Street in Times Square. Cynthia was a member of the Actor’s Equity Association and the Screen Actor’s Guild, due to her role in the Martin Jurow film “Papa Was a Preacher”.

Cynthia was also very passionate about protecting and helping animals – cats and horses were her favorites and she gave a warm, loving home to many cats over the years. She often volunteered for organizations such as the ASPCA and local animal shelters. She was an avid doll collector and enjoyed sewing and needlecrafts, even studying with famous Santa Fe artist Helenn Rumpel.

Cynthia is preceded in death by: her grandparents, Clarence O. and Mary Cole of Sherman, and Howard A. and Elizabeth Hestand, Sr. of Sherman; her parents, Howard A. and Mary Hestand, Jr. of Sherman; and by her ex-husband, Haskell E. Hestand of Odessa, Texas.

Cynthia is survived by: her sister, Janice Hestand Barris (Ben) of Beeville; her niece, Dr. Emily Barris Mendez (Daniel) of Lubbock; her nephew, Nathaniel Caleb Barris of Beeville; and cousins Dana Berry, Suzannah Gabriel, Elizabeth Mask, Karen Cole, and Sharon Cole Turner.

Memorials may be given to Home Hospice of Grayson, Fannin and Cooke or to the American Cancer Society. The family of Cynthia wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Home Hospice of Grayson, Fannin, and Cooke, and the staff of Beacon Hill in Denison for their wonderful care and support. We would like to thank everyone who gave help, comfort, and prayer in her time of need.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.

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Condolences

  • 04/29/2023

    David Perkins

    Cynthia was my prom date in 1972! We were also in Carousel together at Sherman High School. We enjoyed trips to Dallas to see theater. Rest in Peace and my condolences to the family.

  • 04/29/2023

    David Perkins

    Cynthia was my prom date in 1972! We were also in Carousel together at Sherman High School. We enjoyed trips to Dallas to see theater. Rest in Peace and my condolences to the family.

  • 04/27/2023

    Sue Malnory

    Our fond memory of Cynthia is from Sherman Community Players production of Fiddler on the Roof in the mid 1970's; she played one of Tevye's daughters; I believe she was a college student at the time and already a wonderful actor. and a kind and intelligent young woman. Sue and Dick (played Tevye) Malnory

  • 04/26/2023

    Aubrey Martin

    I think we always knew that Cynthia would find her career in theater back in High School. Her passion for it and her ability in it was evident to anyone who knew her. She was such a wonderful influence and I'm proud to have a part of that experience. Rest in peace, Cynthia.

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