Cynthia Holbrook

Cynthia Stearns Holbrook, 73, of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and longtime personal shopper at Neiman Marcus, died after a five-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Cynthia was born in Freeport, Long Island, New York on November 18, 1951. She owned a boutique in NYC, featuring her own hand-made leather bags, belts, and jackets. She loved beautiful fabrics and also did her own upholstery. Cynthia loved the adventure of living in the city in the 1970’s and always managed a quick entry into Studio 54 while others waited in line. Her personal style was impeccable, from hot pants in the 60’s to Lagerfeld suits in the 90’s. She was a passionate David Bowie fan! Cynthia enjoyed a three-decade long career as a personal shopper at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. She was frequently a top seller in the company and was honored with the “NM Best” Award, the most prestigious associate honor recognizing top achievers and distinguished individuals. Her loyal clients loved her creativity and shopped with her for years. Her true talents came to life as she dressed them in mixed pieces and accessories by prestigious designers creating unique styles that elevated their outfits and made them one of a kind. She enjoyed bright colors and said that “black was for funerals”. As her family and friends know, she always dressed with style in mind and not necessarily the Chicago weather! Cynthia was ebullient, warm, generous and funny. She had a very quick wit and an infectious laugh. When she smiled, you could not help but smile back. It was in 1987 that Cynthia first met the man who would become her second husband. For eight years, Christopher admired Cynthia walking her little Lhasa Apso up Melrose. She was the best-dressed woman he'd ever seen. Having also spotted her and her spouse at the Midtown Athletic Club, Christopher knew she was married. One day, Christopher summoned up the courage to approach her and asked "Are you going on the Concorde to Paris? Or perhaps off to see the Queen of England?” Her response was “No, I'm just walking the dog.” The two became friends, and one day Cynthia, who was now single, suggested that he come to Neiman’s for the Last Call Sale. He spotted her going up an escalator as he was going down and he later suggested that they meet for lunch, and she accepted. Christopher was surprised that Cynthia was known by the owners of the hip restaurant he took her to on Wells. Believing she was out of his league, Christopher fumbled their date. Cynthia, however, was sweet about it and they dated for four years before marrying in Las Vegas. They enjoyed a terrific 30-year marriage, filled with love, laughter, culture, and art. Christopher was deeply devoted to his bride, caring for her throughout her diagnosis, decline, and death. He is forever grateful to have shared such a special and beautiful life with Cynthia. In addition to her husband, Cynthia is survived by her siblings Pamela Craig of New York and Mark Stearns; her nephew Connor Craig of New York; and her stepchildren, Selena Beski of Poland and Kamil Beski of California. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles Franklin Stearns and Joan Alva Stearns (nee Haskins) and by her beloved dog, Chanel. Cynthia chose to donate her body to science. No services will be held. Donations may be made in her name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.give.michaeljfox.org). Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Cynthia Holbrook

November 18, 1951 - September 3, 2025