Cynthia Lerner Gilbert

Cynthia Lerner Gilbert, 74, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, June 6, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. Cynthia was born on July 7, 1950 in Dallas, Texas, the beloved daughter of Julian (Sonny) and Peggy Lerner. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, she enrolled at the University of Texas. On her second week in Austin, she met Burton Gilbert, whom she married in 1970. Burton and Cynthia were married for 49 years until his death in 2020.

Cynthia earned her B.A. degree from SMU in 1972 while Burton attended law school. After they graduated, Cynthia and Burton moved to Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1978 Cynthia became a travel agent, a profession she enjoyed until the onset of Covid in 2020. She built a successful business and took great pleasure in sending her clients, many of whom became close friends, around the world.

Cynthia was a loyal, caring and devoted wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother, grandmother and friend – there was nothing she would not do for those she loved. She was a frequent entertainer, hosting Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations for her family and friends at her home for more than 50 years. While she was always open to making new friends, many of her closest friendships began in the early 1970s and continued until her death.

Cynthia was a member of Temple Beth-El, on whose Board of Directors she served. She was also involved in several other Fort Worth institutions including Jewish Family Services of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Country Day, The Junior League of Fort Worth and Jewel Charity.

SURVIVORS: Cynthia is survived by her loving children, Michael and his wife, Natalia, of New York, and Lauren Epstein and her husband, Houdi, of Fort Worth; adored grandchildren, Alexandra and Blair Gilbert and Leah and Aron Epstein; sister, Joy Lerner and her husband, Steve Kelin; brother-in-law, Andy Gilbert and his wife, Rosie; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

SERVICES: Following a committal service at 10:00 am Wednesday, June 11 in the Beth-El Section of Greenwood Memorial Park, a Celebration of Her Life will be held at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road, with a reception afterwards in the Great Hall.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Beth-El Congregation, the Edna Gladney Center for Adoption or the Joan Katz Resource Center, in her memory, is suggested.