The Cymbrie Trepczynski Memorial Scholarship was established as a tribute to
Cymbrie and as a way to continue her example of service to others. The
scholarship will be awarded to adult students, much like she was, that are
going back to school and pursuing a Certificate in Archival Administration
at Wayne State University.
Cymbrie Trepczynski’s life encompassed the roles of mother,
teacher, librarian, anthropologist, archivist, and dedicated friend to many.
With her love of history, it was natural to be extremely interested in
archeological excavations. She participated in three different digs in
Israel in addition to a Huron Indian dig in Ontario and an Adena/Hopewell
Indian site in Indiana. She graduated in 1967 from Alma College with a
degree in history and philosophy. After Alma, Cymbrie earned a teaching
degree from Wayne State University. A member of AFT/DFT, she worked as a
teacher in the Detroit Public Schools for many years. She also did graduate
studies in Anthropology.
Cymbrie Pratt , a third generation Grosse Pointer, married fellow
anthropologist, Chester Trepczynski, in 1970. They had two children, Cymbrie
Ann and John Michael. Following their divorce in 1992, she sought another
career. Once again her love of history led her to get a Masters Degree in
Library Science with Archival Administration Certificate from Wayne State
University in 1993. She worked for Archive Impact which handled General
Motor’s Media Archive work for several years. She also worked on two side
projects that she was especially proud of: the Detroit Federation of
Teachers Archival Papers at the Walter P. Reuther Library and the Erin
Township Records Collection. This collection was a mammoth compilation of
records involving St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Harper Woods and East Pointe.
In the midst of this “career change” Cymbrie was diagnosed with breast
cancer. Following a mastectomy in 1993, she remained cancer free for just
over eight years. In 2001, metastasized cancer was found. She had
chemotherapy and radiation treatments but was not able to slow down the
cancer’s progress. Despite a broken hip and Stage 4 cancer, Cymbrie gave a
“Celebration of Life” party for herself in June 2004. Thanks to so many
friends and family, it was indeed a wonderful celebration. This feisty,
highly intelligent lady determined that she had things to do and her time on
earth would not be over until they were accomplished. Cymbrie lost her
valiant battle with cancer on April 18, 2005.
Anyone that ever met Cymbrie became her lifelong friend. Her warmth, humor
and compassion for others, even while in hospice astounded all who knew her.
In order to honor her strength, please consider a donation.
Contributions may be sent to:
Cymbrie Trepczynski Memorial Scholarship
Walter P. Reuther Library
Wayne State University
5401 Cass Ave
Detroit MI 48202
313-577-4024
