The hearing loss community lost a treasured member this month.

Cynthia Stewart began a lifetime of service with the League of Women Voters in 1972, then came into her hearing loss advocacy a bit later in life.

As a past HLAA-WA president and legislative liaison, Cynthia Stewart guided us to many legislative victories in Olympia. She was our sherpa as we followed a bill’s complicated, winding journey. Cynthia spoke fluent legalese, knew where a given bill was and where it was headed, and taught us how to keep a bill moving until it reached the governor’s desk. Her knowledge and patience kept us on track. We could not have succeeded in passing the John Waldo Act or hearing aid insurance coverage improvements without her.

Thanks to Cynthia’s leadership, there are more hearing aids are in more ears. More open-caption movies are in more theaters. More educated and empowered consumers who know what to look for in a hearing aid. And more people in our community understand how to be an engaged citizen.

Her awards were many: The Washington State Association of the Deaf Golden Hands Award (2025), the HLAA-WA Legislative Impact Award (2024), the HLAA national Excellence in State Advocacy Award (2024) and the HLAA national Community Service Award (2018.)

But we’ll remember her as a kind teacher, a thoughtful encourager, and a wise leader whose work touched the lives of so many people with hearing loss all across Washington State.

Our warmest sympathy goes out to Cynthia’s friends and family, especially her sons and her husband.

Update: A memorial service for Cynthia has been scheduled for May 30, 2026, at 2:30 pm (note the change in time) at the Abigail Stuart House in Olympia. You can find out more in this lovely obituary in The Seattle Times.