Cynthia A. Herder (née Clauder), passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the age of 94, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church.
Beloved wife of the late Arthur E. Herder, Jr.; dearly loved mother of Mark (Kathy Foley), Mary (the late Kenneth) Iberg, Lisa (Edward Hejlek), Cynthia Schleicher, Madelaine (David) Rekemeyer, John (Jackie West), Jane, Peter (Lisa Brys), and the late Matthew, and Christian.
Cherished Meemaw of William (Kara Meyering), Nathaniel, Blaise, Natalie (Parker Wright), and Luke Herder; Adrianne (Justin) Yount; Alexander (Karson) and Elliott Iberg; Cecilia (Nick) Ramsey; Matthew (Nicole Tu-Maung) and Julia Venker; Joseph (Aimee Della Porta) and Elizabeth (Colin O’Neill) Hejlek; Maggy (Tyler) Lawson; Nicholas (Marina May) and the late Jacob Schleicher; Drew and Tsavo (Jenny Vaillancourt) Rekemeyer; Fern (Jake) Sandstrom; Emma (Jared) Gray and Elijah (Carrigan Eye) Miller.
Great-grandmother of Grayson and Addy Yount; Emmy and Harper Ramsey; Micah and Frances Hejlek; Xander, Ellie and Ryan Lawson; and Phoebe Schleicher.
Dear sister of Elaine Laaker and the late Kenneth Clauder; dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend to many.
In 1954, Cynthia became one of the first women in the nation to be licensed as a Physical Therapist after earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Louis University. She remained lifelong friends with her “Club 15” college group.
She enjoyed playing tennis at Sunset Tennis and other clubs; sang in the choir at St. Joseph’s Church in Imperial; and took pleasure in water skiing, horseback riding, reading, gardening, and bird watching.
An avid traveler, she explored much of the United States—spending summers in Cotuit, MA, and visiting family in Memphis, TN; Madeline Island, WI; Southern California; and Portland, OR. She and Art loved sailing in the BVIs with the CHER group, spending time at the Biscan family’s lake house, visiting the pyramids of Egypt, and exploring much of Europe.
Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support of the entire staff at Nazareth, as well as her many friends and neighbors there. They extend special thanks to Debra, Kathy, Leslie, Lauren, Rose, Jean, Patty, Raquel, and Shyrell for their devoted care.
A celebration of Cynthia’s life will be held on Thursday, May 29, at Nazareth Living Center. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass and a reception in the Sr. Mary Timlin Room. Private interment will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111-2899, for their Retirement Fund.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this very special lady
My sincere condolences to each of you. She was a very special lady and will be missed
What a full and interesting life she led, and such a large, beautiful family she and your dad raised!! We’re glad she’s not suffering any more, and pray for your family’s strength and peace as you mourn. Love to all of you❤️Ken and Gail Slavens
John, Blaise and Family,
Ms Judy and I send our sincerest condolences in this time of loss. Your Mother and Meemaw is now with her Lord and Savior for eternity.
Tom Gould
I am sorry for your loss. Your Mother left such a wonderful legacy, she was the Matriarch to so many who follow her. May you all heal from her loss and find peace in seeing her long history unfold before you. Love to Lisa, Ed and the kids, I hope you can celebrate your wonderful Mother and Grandmother.
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a Loving and intelligent Lady. So many happy memories with her and Art. As the husband of another “Club 15” girl, I recall her saying “just call me SIN” when I stumbled trying to remember her name. Rest in Peace, SIN.
Dear Herder Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a special lady and she always made me feel welcome and truly interested in anything I would say. I remember having the best time with her in Florida with Mary and Lisa Smith. She was a blast and could keep up with us younger ones. I will pray for you as you go through this time of morning. She is for sure up in heaven with your dad, brothers and all of her loved ones.
With sincerest sympathy and love,
Chris (Radomski)
Dear Mary. Jane and the entire Herder Family. I haven’t seen anyone in quite awhile but knowing your Mom, Dad, sisters and brothers are still a huge part of our High School Years at Notre Dame. Your Mom was a Beautiful woman and even more a Beautiful Mom because your Mom raised such a beautiful, loving family. Your Mom lives forever in each and everyone of you and lives in your children and their children. Prayers to your family during this sad time and know your Mom is with our Creater in Heaven and so many others who are now living the eternal life. 😇❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜
Dearest Herder Family,
Your Mom was a one of a kind women. She was always welcoming and open . Being around her she felt like one of the girls. She raised an amazing family. I feel so blessed to have know her and all the family. The loss of her is a gift to the heavens. She is up there right now, planning a meal , an adventure, sing , and welcoming everyone!. She left a legacy never to be for gotten. My love and hugs to each of you.
Lisa Smith
Dearest Herder Family,
Your Mom was a one of a kind women. She was always welcoming and open . Being around her she felt like one of the girls. She raised an amazing family. I feel so blessed to have know her and all the family. The lose of her is a gift to the heavens. She is up there right now, planning a meal , an adventure, sing , and welcoming everyone!. She left a legacy never to be for gotten. My love and hugs to each of you.
Lisa Smith