Cynthia A. Folgate

Cynthia Arletta Folgate, 76, of DeKalb, Illinois, entered into rest, May 25, 2026. Born on January 27, 1950 in Chicago she was the daughter of Cassie Edna (Sisemore) Folgate and William C. Folgate of Mt. Morris, Illinois. The family moved to DeKalb when Cynthia was 10 years old.

While working full-time, she attained Bachelor and Master of Art degrees in Theatre from Northern Illinois University. She taught communications at Northern (10 years) and at Kishwaukee and Waubonsee colleges for 25 years.

In mid-life, Cynthia found her calling; she became an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP). As the Resources Director for Safe Passage, her greatest achievement was helping women and children stay out of abusive relationships and situations. She was a guest speaker at civic/community organizations. She trained law enforcement, fire department personnel, and medical professionals to recognize, respond, and refer individuals for domestic violence assistance. Every September Cynthia distributed domestic violence information and sold Safe Passage cookbooks at the Sandwich Fair. She organized Safe Passage's annual, highly successful fundraiser: An Evening of Chocolate. Cynthia was also a volunteer court watcher, who observed legal proceedings to monitor judicial behavior and court practices.

Cynthia's avocation was theatre. She performed on stage during high school productions. After acquiring her Masters, she managed a costuming company for a year, designing and sewing costumes for many shows. An avid reader, she resorted to books on tape as her vision declined. The highlight of her teen years was attending a live Beatles concert in Chicago. She had a love for animals, specifically horses and dogs. Raccoon intruders and angry Muscovy ducks were her nemeses. She was a devoted fan of Triple Crowns. Her most memorable family vacation was touring Thoroughbred farms in Lexington, Kentucky. Cynthia was rarely without a canine companion. Her first dog, a cocker spaniel (Buttons), was followed by two poodles (Dusty and Rufus), and ultimately several disabled, rescued poodles.

Cynthia was independent, a self-made woman: well-spoken, tenacious, yet soft-hearted. When physical limitations kept her homebound, the telephone was her lifeline. She faithfully maintained relationships with best friends in Vermont and Oregon State. In the autumn of her life, she lived vicariously through her Cloyd cousins, who are her sole survivors.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Bill Folgate, her soul friend, Reid J. O'Kane (Chicago), and lifelong friend, Jane Eubanks (Stockbridge, Vermont).

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Cynthia will be laid to rest beside her parents in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris. Per Cynthia's wishes, no funeral or public service will be held. If you wish to give in Cynthia's honor, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mt. Morris.