Cynthia Malek Obituary

Malek, Cynthia A.

Cynthia A. Malek, age 82, of Plano, IL, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, September 23, 2024. She was born October 12, 1941 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Anthony Bober and Tarcisia nee Zaucha Bober Gantz.

Cynthia had a long and successful career in television. A talented and highly skilled Assistant Director, she was a longtime member of the Directors Guild of America. Cool and competent, she sat at the right-hand of directors of countless major television productions. Some of her abilities were legendary; she could work three stopwatches, complicated shot sheets and last-minute script changes simultaneously – and never miss a cue. As a member of the staff of WTTW, she worked on many national shows for PBS, including "Soundstage," "Sneak Previews," "The Merry Widow," "Hansel and Gretel," "Die Fledermaus," "The Frugal Gourmet" and innovative local productions such as "Nightwatch," "Image Union" and "Chicago Tonight." In addition, as a free-lance Assistant Director, she worked on numerous shows for "HBO," "Showtime," and the Home & Garden Network.

She loved taking motorcycle trips with friends and spending time in Lake Geneva in almost any season. She was quiet, reflective, thoughtful and honest – a good and dependable friend, and a caring mother, grateful for her daughter's devotion. She is survived by her loving daughter Michelle McNeil. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Darlene Bodzioch.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorials in her memory may be made to K9 Enrichment Initiative (K9EI) c/o Cynthia Guzman, 15325 S. Buttercup Court, Plainfield, IL 60544. For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com

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