Cynthia Knapp Triedman

Cynthia lived a full life, rich in love and rooted in family. She was adored by all who knew her -- as a mother, a daughter, a sister, a grandmother, an aunt and a friend. As a mother, she was the definition of unconditional love -- accepting and supportive; deeply concerned about her children’s happiness without ever being overbearing or judgmental -- while also making room for her own quiet time alone and many artistic pursuits. She never demanded attention for herself but was so deeply good and worthy that people everywhere were drawn to her. In all things, she led with her kindness and gentleness, a genuine interest in others, her welcoming smile, and her quiet, keen intelligence.

Cynthia was born on July 14, 1934, in Akron, Ohio to Alphonse Knapp, an ophthalmologist, and Doris (Martin) Knapp, a nurse and then homemaker. She and her two older sisters, Mary Jane and Susie, were raised in East Liverpool, Ohio in a white wood-frame house surrounded by old-growth trees, a formal rose garden, a bountiful vegetable garden, blueberry bushes and a cherry orchard. Cynthia herself was a gifted gardener who – like her mother before her -- loved flowers above all. Indeed, gardening played a central role in her life, and the gardens she created over the years reflected an attention to beauty and detail that made them deeply memorable.

Cynthia attended Mount de Chantal Academy, graduating in 1952, and Rosemont College of the Holy Child of Jesus, in Rosemont, Penn., earning a B.A. in Fine Art in 1956. After a brief career in art-book publishing in Boston, she married Leonard J. Triedman, a young physician and Air Force captain who went on to become a respected Rhode Island surgeon. The two enjoyed a whirlwind and storied courtship, leading Cynthia to marry Lenny in 1957 and the two of them to settle on the East Side of Providence. Their 64-year marriage was full of passion, endless laughter, children and grandchildren, and a large and ever-growing circle of friends, with whom they traveled, skied and played golf.

For over two decades they lived in Providence, raising their four children there, before moving in the early 1980s to a weathered shingled house in Narragansett, R.I., overlooking the bay. The couple also spent significant time in the 1990s and early 2000s in Hilton Head and Bluffton, S.C., where Cynthia loved to explore the low country, creating exquisite landscapes in watercolor and pastel. In August 2020, she moved to Wingate Assisted Living, in Providence, where she established deep friendships with fellow residents, caregivers and staff.

Cynthia loved above all else being a mother, grandmother, and – most recently -- great-grandmother. As the family expanded, she took the time to really listen to and get to know her sons- and daughters-in-law and 12 grandchildren, each of whom felt loved and known in unique and special ways. She was well-read and thoughtful, artistic, and ever-encouraging to her large family. Until late in life, she enjoyed walks in nature, skiing, tennis, running, and golf, and was particularly passionate about the natural environment. She and Lenny absolutely adored their many dogs, whose exalted place in the family pecking order was never questioned.

Cynthia was an accomplished visual artist focusing largely on painting, printmaking, pastels, and collage. In addition to her college fine art degree, she also trained extensively at both the Boston Museum School and the Rhode Island School of Design. Her work was widely exhibited and received numerous jury awards, including winning a juried entry in a National Watercolor Association show in New York City. She continued painting her luminous landscapes and still lifes until the last year or so, and was a featured artist in September 2021 at the Providence Art Club. She was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren, several of whom have followed in her footsteps to create art.

Cynthia was deeply engaged with her local and artistic community. She was a longtime member of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, chairing the body in the 1970s; the Providence Art Club, of which she was a member for more than 50 years; and the National Watercolor Association. She was also a dedicated supporter over many years of environmental and wildlife organizations.

She is survived by her dear sister Mary Jane Jones and her family, of Los Angeles; her four children, John K. Triedman (Susan Hellerstein), Kim E. Triedman (Eric Oldsman), Scott A. Triedman (Mary Jo Kaplan), and Julie B. Triedman (Anthony Mace); grandchildren Hanna, Charlotte, and Sophia Oldsman; Natalie King, Lucy Barrett, and Cole Triedman; Nellie, Andrew, and Hal Triedman; James, Mason, and Beatrice Mace; and great-grandchildren Isobel, Beau, Josephine, and Leo. She also leaves behind her husband’s daughter Nancy Shalek (James Shalek) and family, to whom she was deeply devoted. She is predeceased by her husband Leonard, her parents, Doris and Alphonse, and her sister Susie O’Brien.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope Street, Providence, followed by a private family burial.

To view a recording of the services click: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/Vn4wlaBFpfGrMwZ0wq701VQEL5rDUu_kiQby-b2DlU7Zd2RIL_CmzLpTD9islY1H.e_SILHCvIdYHnU6e?startTime=1731945197000 or the link below

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence, RI 02903 - https://providenceartclub.org/support/ or t0 Save The Bay,100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905 - https://savebay.org/get-involved/donate/