I think of you every day sweet sister.

Thinking of you dear Cynthia. I will always treasure your friendship and leadership.

Happy birthday in Heaven Cynthia. I will never forget that I was blessed with your friendship while I was your assistant at Pavia & Harcourt. It was the best professional relationship I ever had and we also became friends.  You opened up my world to many new things which I will never forget. Your generosity and big heart is always carried with me.  Love, Rose Ashton

Dear Cynthia,
Every time I see the Joyce Theatre here in NYC I think about you, your family (including pets like Sunny and Angus and Simon) and our time in Minnesota and NYC. I try and live up to your standards and teachings. You will always be an inspiration!

Happy birthday dear Cynthia, may you rest in peace. We keep celebrating you!
Sebnem

Miss you so much !
I'm so glad you were in my life as a friend and my NYC flamenco student!!

Happy Birthday, Cynthia. We continue to celebrate you!

Miss you every day sister...thinking of you with all my love ❤️

Today would've been Cindy's 70th birthday. We miss her so much every day. I truly hope dad and Cindy are together with my baby sister Katie celebrating in heaven. Happy birthday Cindy. We love you. Sara and Grace Rose

Claudia and I miss your bright influence and friendly presence and feel fortunate to find that you will always be with us.... love to you and your loved ones from us.

Reminiscing about picture from 1974, Staten Island. You and Peter came to visit us. I can't find the picture but I canremember it. Miss you, thank you for being a part of my life.

Dear Cynthia,

I am thinking of you today. Thinking of your smile, your heart, your passion for so many things, especially dance and CTFD. You are in our hearts today and everyday.
Mary Lou

Dear Cynthia,
I sent you an email today, and it bounced back. I called your office, they said you were no longer there. I then decided to search on the internet, perhaps you were in Italy or taking time off so that you could enjoy one of your passions, dance.
Was it that long since we had lunch? I missed our lunches and our professional gatherings. It was so fun, our friendship. In fact I was reaching out to tell you about my involvement in this new endeavor, to see if you wanted to get involved or provide legal guidance....
I was shocked and sad to see your photo on this site. The world has lost an amazing person, and I have lost a dear friend and colleague.
It was truly a pleasure spending time with you, and I will cherish all of our beautiful memories. Rest in peace.
Lots of love
Radhi

I feel your sprit in my Flamenco classes ! You are in my heart !

It doesn’t seem possible that a year has already passed since we lost this amazing lady. Rest well my dear. You are always in our hearts.
Mary Lou

Dear Cynthia,
You are in my thoughts, may you rest in peace where ever you are.

Hoping that there are glorious birthday celebrations where you are, dear Cynthia!

Yesterday I visited with two other of Cindy’s childhood friends (Debbie and Sandy). We reminisced about our adventures as children climbing trees, walking to and from school, playing outside with the neighborhood children, etc. It would have been wonderful if Cindy were able to join us. She was a big part of our formative years. Even as a child she was a leader who inspired and challenged everyone to do and be more. She was a motivating role model even as a youngster who had a natural curiosity about the world and embraced exploring it boldly. She is fondly remembered and missed.

My dear lady, you are always in my thoughts & heart !

Lan, what a beautiful tribute to Cynthia on Sunday. The rest of the "gang of five" were so happy that we were able to attend. All our best. Mary Lou

What a moving tribute yesterday. It brought back wonderful memories of Cynthia's kindness, warmth and generosity over twenty years together at Pavia & Harcourt.

I met Cynthia when she appeared at the art gallery where I was employed. She was the lawyer for one of our artists, and she had come down to see that artist's work. She was about 42 years old (my age) and had just come from a ballet class. Before Cynthis left the gallery that day I had already decided, at her enouragement, to take up ballet again, after a 2o-year hiatus. And for the next few years I enjoyed her company, and Maestro's classes. A huge addition to my life, all from one chance meeting. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her courage infectious, and her smile ubiquitous. My life was truly made larger because of her.

I had the pleasure of working for Cynthia at Schnader. She was kind enough to enlist me to assist her and train me, allowing me to grow within the firm. She was always very sweet and kind to me and I am grateful to have known her. May she rest peacefully - Cynthia, you will be missed.

We met Cindy in 1981 for business but very soon our relationship turned into a deep and longlasting friendship.
Intelligent, generous,curious, in love with all the forms of life. We shared many pleasent moments around the world with her.
She has been always there for us.
She will be in our hearts forever.
Our deepest love to Lan, Rob and all their families

Dear Lan and all Cynthia’s family and friends! What a beautiful celebration of her life! What a well lived life! We felt honored to have known her and know she will always be with you. She gave you the gift of herself.  How lucky was this world to have her ! She made it a better place. Love Dawn and Ken

I knew Cynthia from Maestro Karoly Zsedenyi's ballet classes. Cynthia was warm and generous with a terrific sense of humor. She took me to buy my first pair of pointe shoes and just laughed when I failed to accept the pain of wearing those shoes. Every year Cynthia invited the entire ballet class to her home to celebrate Maestro's birthday. She never failed to take care of Maestro and generously took care of all legal and medical details of his life until the day he died. I remember the joy she felt when she met and married Lan, and my husband and I were fortunate to have Lan and Cynthia as our friends. For all of their days together, Lan took care of Cynthia, just as she took care of so many others throughout her life. I know that Maestro is dancing with Cynthia now. Until we see them again, we will have the memories.

I first met Cynthia in 1982. She was a partner and I was a law student at Pavia & Harcourt. She became my mentor and my friend. Luckily for me, we never stopped being friends even after our 15 years together at P&H. I will always remember her incredible sense of style and her dedication to family and friends. I am so glad to have known her.

I met Cynthia when she joined the Board of Career Transition for Dancers. Her love of dance and dancers was inspiring. Her dedication to Career Transition for Dancers never wavered. Cynthia had never been to a Gypsy Robe Ceremony, which happens on the opening night of Broadway musicals. It delighted me to be able to take her to the one for MISS SAIGON in March 2017. A smart, kind, savvy and generous woman, I know Cynthia was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and all who counted her as a friend.

Dear Rice and Fischer family members,

Cindy was a joy to be around, whether it was multi-tasking at our dining room table while leading a conference call in Italian, or taking part in the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride a few years back, or watching her give just the right shower gift to her niece Marlo or sharing a video of her darling grandkids who made her smile and laugh so much. 

Her words to her grandkids, “hands up, hold tight”, are a fitting legacy for a life lived with courage, joy, excellence and love. 

Bill and I are privileged to have gotten to know Cindy and call her a friend. Our hearts go out to all of you.

I knew Cynthia Fischer from her many years as President of the Board of Career Transition For Dancers. Her dedication to the dancers was impressive. She gave of her time, talents and her love of dance and the artists. Cynthia was gracious, just, kind and full of joy. I was so grateful she was at the helm. I will miss her. I know she is with the Angels.

Don is a first cousin to Cindy's mother, Lois (one of 30 first cousins of the D. C. Reed family of Virginia, MN). We got to meet Cindy several times in Naples, FL when Cindy and Lan would visit Lois at Thanksgiving. We had already heard glowing reports about Cindy and we were delighted to discover that in addition to her many talents, she was a warm and caring down-to-earth person. To Lois and her whole family and to Lan we offer our sincere condolence and please know that we share your loss.

Cynthia - Cindy to me is my youth. Meeting Cindy, sister of vagabond, song writer Rob was a little intimidating. Me a young lawyer in Canada, meeting the sophisticated New York attorney for the first time, to find her so down to earth, hair in braids, wearing coveralls, a huge smile- and those eyes. We became fast friends, with visits over the years in New York and Canada with many picnics, laughs and bad plays (in Canada only!) with Sonia.

A favorite memory is a deluge of tropical like rain in Toronto with water everywhere. A huge rainbow appeared. Cindy went out to celebrate and dance in the puddles on the road in bare feet with Martine and Hilly- then tiny and so delighted! Joy.

And then there was Lan. Should she, could she ask? That special first date to the ballet. That amazing blue dress. She was a brilliant princess. He was a gonner. The rest is history.

She never complained. She was strong, loving, thinking of others until the end. A remarkable spirit. Her strength and love will endure in our memory. Bless you Lan, Rob and family. Janet

Cynthia was one of the first partners I met when considering a move to P+H in 1983. Her enjoyment of people and of the work, her sense of humor, and the fact that she had so many other interests, in particular dance, won me over. In looking back on those 20+ years of professional life, working with Cynthia remains one of the bright spots. (The fact that in the early years Cynthia also was able to explain Minnesota, and by extension my future in-laws, was a help for which I remain grateful.) My thoughts, and Kate's, go out to Lan, to Cynthia's family and to her closest friends.

My husband Allan worked with Cynthia and it was a joy. He died a year ago and Cynthia was there for me. She was a great lady as all of us know. She is my inspiration.

Dear Leah and Family, my heart goes out to all of you. I know you will all feel the loss of beautiful Cynthia forever, and I hope that your wonderful memories comfort you. I recall the day Cynthia called Leah to tell her she had passed the NY bar exam. Oh, the excitement! She had already been working for an Italian based law firm so she was thrilled to have her full credential. She was blazing the trail for many women who were breaking out of traditional careers, and we all cheered her on as she achieved one success after another. After reading more about her passions and zest for life, I know that she's left the world a better place. Hugs to all of you.

Dear Cynthia, you will be remembered by many children of Asia, whom you have help the Angkor Hospital for Children Hospital for Children by Friends Without A Border to save their lives.
Thank you for your kindness and generous heart.
I miss you.

Dear Fischer Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Cindy was an amazing person and gave so much! I knew her as the "older sister" who was brilliant and everyone was so proud of her! We grew up in the same neighborhood with the wonderful Fischer family in St. Paul! Cindy's younger sisters, Missy & Leah were close to my age so we spent hours swimming and playing in our great neighborhood! Dr. Robert Fischer and Lois were awesome parents & leaders and were great friends of my parents. Together, they raised amazing kids! It takes a village! Cindy will be your Angel in heaven forever and you will always hold your memories in your heart!
Sending my heartfelt love & blessings to all of you! Michele

I will remember Cindy for connecting me to some of the most important people and places in my life, and as an inspiration to do my best. Since the first time we met, more than forty years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to know four generations of a wonderful family. Besides family, Cindy introduced me to a community of friends, artists and professionals in New York and Minnesota. She’s responsible for my connections to New York, Florida, France, the dance community, and importantly, good coffee.
Cindy continues to inspire me to do my best, and to be passionate about the things I love. She had a passion for excellence in everything she did. She loved Lan, the children, grandchildren, and a number of very lucky dogs. She was dedicated to her clients, many of whom lived in other countries and time zones; she was rarely separated from her BlackBerry. She loved Photography, Architecture and particularly Dance. Cindy was passionate and loyal to family and friends. She had an amazing ability to find meaning and motivation in adversity: from her dad’s unexpected death in 1974, to recovery and recently, disease.
I am saddened by her passing, but am so lucky to have had such an extraordinary human being as a friend.

It is not easy stating all the reasons why spending time with Cynthia has always been invigorating. But it is clear and easy to say that helping, supporting and giving to others was the fiber of her being.
 Many years ago after doing a big Spring cleaning of her closet, Cynthia asked if I wished to come and look through the stuff before parting with it. I jumped at the offer. One of the items was a huge black layered skirt that she had had made for a grand costume party. I had doubts about ever having an occasion to wear such an item, yet Cynthia insisted I take it. Years later, it became an exquisite costume for a solo dance piece I performed. It created a luxurious theatricality that I owe to her insight and generosity.

Cynthia has been a very dear friend since we met in the class of Maestro Zsedenyi at the Ansonia Hotel in the 1970s. She took class assiduously over many years and was engaged in our rather diverse community of dancers and dance-enthusiasts in the orbit of the Maestro. Later, when I began the Company NovAntiqua to present my own choreography, Cynthia was instrumental in achieving and sustaining non-profit status, creating fund-raisers, etc. One gala I remember done with wonderful Italian friends at the Washington Square Methodist Church was extremely elegant. Everything around Cynthia was elegant and distinguished while also warm and touching. Cynthia was a champion of the cause(s) of her friends, especially artists, but all friends, I am sure. She was a force for strength, positiveness in the face of all odds, camraderie and generosity. She will be deeply missed and always loved.

Dear Ian and Family, I knew Cindy throughout junior high and high school and worked with her on many school projects. She was an extraordinary person, a leader and always thinking of others and how to contribute to the greater good. We would have dinner or visit periodically in NYC when I would be there and she was so happy she finally had a wonderful family of her own. My heart goes out to her St. Paul family and NYC family and friends. I will miss her physical presence but her bright light lives on in our memories.

I have had the joy of knowing Cindy most of my life. 1970's I was little living on Staten Island with my parents ,she came over to our house for thanksgiving ( there is a faded picture somewhere). To the 80's visiting her in New York , listening to her advice on how important it was for women to study, work hard and pursue their passion. In the 90's taking ballet class with her. Being a starving student in New York and working the events for her dance charity. Thank you for always looking out for us Cindy. I am truly sorry I did not make a better effort to see her more, but the times we did connect l will always remember. Cindy helped me envision the future I could have and I will be forever grateful.

We will miss you.

Dear Cousin Cindy, the whole family will miss you so much. Yet, we will treasure all our life memories with you - from our times as kids, our Christmas gatherings as families to our college age journey to New Orleans to our visits in New York ....... In many ways you were the big sister I never had. Always a gentle and loving spirit that will forever be missed........Lan, we pray for your comfort through this difficult period, and we hope you can celebrate the many wonderful years you had together. With great love, Cousin Peter and Linda

Bye Cynthia… may your journey be light.
We will miss you and will never forget you.
Your smile and love will accompany us for ever. Eliana & Gimmi

Dear Lois and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Cindy's passing. What a passion she had for dancing. Now she's dancing with Jesus and all the Saints in Heaven.
Your family has been a gift to me as a young girl, growing up on Sunnyslope with the Windisches. Dr. Fischer suggested that my name be Monica and my parents agreed. Prayers, Peace and Love as you move forward with sorrow, healing and gratitude for Cindy's Life.
Monica (Windisch) Barrett

I knew Cynthia for more than 20 years. In addition to professionalism, knowledge of law, she was helpful and understood the personal situations of mine and guided me through difficult times. I will always remember her for that.

We were clearly meant to have Cynthia in our lives, since we know her from 2 treasured sources! She was generous, warm, enthusiastic and threw herself into everything she did - and it showed!
She will be missed very much by both the legal and the dance community, for everything she did for them, and her many friends and loved ones. Debbie & Gwen

Cynthia was such an inspiration: she gave tirelessly of herself and her time to so many not-for-profit humanitarian and arts organizations. She was also the most courageous person I know: facing cancer with a positive outlook and the determination to live and enjoy every single day to the fullest. But most of all, she was my dear and steadfast friend of 40 years.
It was a privilege to know Cynthia and be a part of her life.

I met Cynthia in the 90s in Maestro Zsedenyi's ballet class. I was in my twenties, just starting my career and trying to figure out my life. Cynthia was one of those guiding forces that showed me that it is possible to have both a successful career and a passion that can be lived to its fullest. Cynthia helped me with my first pair of pointe shoes! I always remember her clad in all black except for bright red socks. She would always say that her regular ballet classes with Maestro was her own form of meditation. I think it probably took me at least 10 years to understand what she meant and nowadays, I feel the same way. Her passion took her outside those classes too. When I heard about Career Transition for Dancers years after those Maestro classes, I was reconnected with Cynthia and learned about her deep involvement. It's an essential institution for artists now and one of her many legacies. I am glad to have known Cynthia. I will always remember her gentle kindness and spirited intelligence. My thoughts go out to Lan and Cynthia's family during this difficult time.

Cindy brings 3 words to mind - Intellect, Integrity, and Generosity. She babysat my brothers and me in the great neighborhood around Sunny Slope in St. Paul. Her father delivered me as a newborn and her entire family was a role model. Cindy helped me get started in New York City and gave me advice when I had business in Italy. That is cradle to grave babysitting! I cannot believe you are gone, Cindy - you made all of our lives better. And now your memory continues to be an inspiration.