Cynthia Chelius Rhyme and Reason

Steadfast behind the scenes

A grounding presence

There are some people whose lasting impact is not made with grand gestures, but through the steady warmth of their presence, their care, and their genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people and places around them. Cynthia Chelius is one of those people.

For many years Cynthia has been a grounding presence in the Anthroposophical Society, an essential thread woven into the daily life of the Steiner House in Ann Arbor. Whether responding to a member’s inquiry, listening to a concern, supporting Society events, or managing the daily operations at the Steiner House, Cynthia has done so with unwavering care, attention, and grace. Her approach to her work has never been about simply completing tasks. It’s about people, the community, and holding a space for something greater to unfold.

I was fortunate to work with Cynthia for many years at the Society. She was a valued colleague and a true partner. She was someone I could rely on not only for her expertise and calm manner, but also for her insights, wisdom, and her ability to ask (sometimes difficult!) questions that helped bring clarity to complex and fraught situations.

I am especially grateful for the thoughtful and steady ways in which Cynthia worked to support our Society-wide conferences - the Annual General Meetings and other special gatherings. After months of careful coordination with me and with the local planning groups, I knew that once the event began, I could trust Cynthia to make sure that every practical detail would be handled with care. This allowed me to focus on the unfolding program and the needs of the presenters, secure in knowing there was a solid foundation holding the creative process.

Cynthia, the impact you’ve made over the years - not only on the daily life of the Society, but on those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside you - is significant and will be felt for many years to come. Thank you. Best wishes as you step into your next adventure!

Love, Marian Leon

Who carries the consciousness of an organization?

Well, many people. And in line with Rudolf Steiner’s insights about being human, we may think organically: a physical structure, a moving-living form, an activeconscious awareness, and a purposeful being. It’s the same with a biodynamic farm. So I had probably seen Cynthia Chelius’ name on letters and forms from the Anthroposophical Society in America earlier, but I only met her when I came to visit as the new editor and communications person for the ASA in 2009, and shortly thereafter lived for some months in the nearby house of Dr. Katz after he passed on. Quiet, patient, firm, with an unexpectedly warm smile, next to wide filing drawers covered with cards and pictures from members and friends.

Cynthia was the anchor, at her northeast desk on the main floor. Knowing what the building, the Rudolf Steiner House, needed. Knowing who, including husband Dale, could fix things, install or remove the a/c units in season, and which plumber, electrician, knew the house and its aging provisionings.

Cynthia also managed who would be visiting, staying for a night or a week, filling what spaces, using the kitchen, and needing what setups and cleaning by Julie. Noting how things were with Candace and the lovely front garden. Keeping track of the members with Linda. New members, and their pink cards from Dornach, to be signed by MariJo, Torin, John, Mary. Old members missing an issue, “lapsing,” losing touch, passing on, needing a remembrance. And when asked, infrequently, about how things were with the members, Cynthia (never herself a member) surprised with considered insights from conversations, problems solved.

Printing - getting the new being human to the press, and copies back for new member packets. Sending out the Classics series with highlights from five decades of the Journal for Anthroposophy. And working part-time at the Ann Arbor Library, which came to my attention when a new proof-reader was needed. Precise questioning or appreciative comments (“Could be clearer.” “Perfect!”) along with the un-German-ing of capitals (“Way too many?”) and the eternal serial commas. More recently I became aware of Cynthia’s enthusiasm for classical music, volunteering as an usher at concerts, with a musician daughter who loves Mahler as I do. And that, along with books, is where I imagine Cynthia’s calm, appreciative spirit expanding now, as concerns for the body and life and consciousness at 1923 Geddes Avenue pass into other caring hands.

John Beck, 22 April 2025

A warm and friendly voice

If you need to contact the Anthroposophical Society about anything and everything to do with membership, you definitely want to connect with someone like Cynthia Chelius. She has built up over the course of many years an amazing backlog of information about the Society and its members. Goetheanum leaders, General Secretaries, leadership councils, Section representatives, the Collegium, treasurers, Class holders. Society members and the general public may come and go, while Cynthia has consistently managed to maintain her stamina, selfcomposure, and dedication throughout. How often do we get to experience such a warm and friendly voice answering the phone? And always with a human touch! Cynthia will be greatly missed, but thank goodness we can count on her to share story-filled experiences and valuable advice. Bless you, Cynthia, and enjoy a welldeserved retirement. Thank you so much!

Herbert Hagens Princeton, New Jersey

Bringing balance

Cynthia Chelius! What a warm and welcoming presence she has brought to our Anthroposophical Society through her presence. Cynthia’s has truly been a life of service to our movement, always working behind the scenes for the good of the Society.

I was privileged to serve on the General Council and Western Regional Council for many years, giving me the opportunity to know Cynthia well as a colleague and a dear friend. In person or on the other end of a call, she was an invaluable resource, researching the many questions brought to her regarding history, current events, library, past persons and events. All these questions and concerns Cynthia took on as her own and faithfully sought to bring clarity and help to those of us working for the Society far away from Ann Arbor. Many times she mailed me materials for members, boxes of anthroposophical and Society resources, documents that perhaps only she could have found. Her historical