Cynthia Penelope Poulos, born on July 25, 1948 in Evanston, IL, passed away August 26, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. She was the second of five children of the late William George and Esther Karalis Poulos, who raised a loving and happy family in Fort Lauderdale.
Cynthia received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Math from FSU and her masters in Educational Research from the University of GA. She was a pioneer in the computer industry and spearheaded a project designing educational software in the 70’s using an innovative approach called touchscreen technology. She was even visited by an inquisitive Steve Jobs, years before his success at Apple. As a female in a male-dominated profession, Cynthia was a trailblazer in Silicon Valley and enjoyed the hard-earned respect of her peers. One of her proudest memories was being chosen to make a technical presentation in South America – in Spanish, as she was also bilingual!
After returning to Florida, Cynthia volunteered her time at the Greek Orthodox church in Fort Lauderdale and created a Bible study overview for her students. She also taught math and computer technology at Broward Community College before relocating to St. Petersburg.
Her love of travel also inspired her to learn Greek and French. She was an accomplished pianist and loved dancing and socializing with friends. Her greatest joy came from sharing with her students the wealth of knowledge she possessed on so many subjects. She will be remembered for her brilliance, wit, fun-loving and giving spirit, and eagerness to help.
Cynthia is survived by her brother William (Judith Ann) and sisters Denise McCabe (Bernard), and Janet Hagan (Michael); nieces Jennifer, Stephanie, and nephews William III, Patrick, and Michael. Viewing at 10am and service at 11am will be at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater on Thursday September 5th. Burial will be at Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora, FL at 11am on September 6th. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater or to Suncoast Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL. Online guest registry and condolences at VeteransFuneralCare.com
Cindy was a wonderful and caring friend, and I will greatly miss her. We shared so many fun times during our high school years, and passed many milestones together. Her family home was one of my favorite places to be, with her brothers and sisters, her wonderful mother and handsome dad. I treasure our long phone conversations over the past several years, which kept us close, although separated by the miles. I can still, and will always, hear her wonderful laugh. My deepest sympathies to Denise, Bill, Janet and their families. May all the good memories sustain you during this sad time. Love to you all.
Cindy was always such a bright and kind woman. Grew up in Coral Ridge with her and had a lot of respect for her knowledge and kindness. Prayers to her family at this tough time. She definately left a mark in a lot of lives.
Sorrow for your loss. Cindy was a friend from junior and senior high who was sharp, funny and kind, not an easy combination. It was a delight to reconnect at our 50th FLHS reunion and to learn a little about her accomplished life. Her spirit and humor will be missed. Sympathies to your family.
I was so sorry to read about Cindy’s passing. We grew up together on the same block in Coral Ridge and carpooled to Bennett Elementary School in the early years. The last time we talked was at our 20th High School reunion. It was such a pleasure catching up with her after all that time. My thoughts are with the family right now.
The Kavalaris Family send our deepest condolences to all the family at the loss of our dear Cindy. She was a loving, giving person who always put family first. We admired her accomplishments & her multi-faceted skills. She was a trail blazer in Silicon Valley with her gifts & higher education!
We shall always cherish the years we spent with her while she lived in California. She will be so dearly missed. May her memory be eternal!
Cindy was my girlfriend at Ft. Lauderdale High School. We later were were together in college. I so sad to hear of her passing. We had so much love And fun together and I’ve thought about for many years after. She will always be in my heart, I never lost my love for her. Rest in peace sweetheart