Cidney B. Spillman
OBITUARY
Long-time Bethlehem resident and community leader and volunteer, Cidney Brandon Spillman, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family in Hartford, Connecticut, on December 7, 2025. She was 91.
Cid was born in a small town in Indiana on Independence Day in 1934; throughout her life, she especially loved watching fireworks every year. She met the love of her life, Bob Spillman, at Cornell University. After graduating, they married and moved to Bethlehem, Bob’s hometown, in 1958; Bethlehem became her home, too.
Cid began her career as an elementary school teacher and, after having her own children, shifted her focus to volunteering. As a member of the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, she served as placement chairperson and led numerous initiatives, including those for Senior Citizens’ Employment Services, Head Start, and vision screening in public schools. In 1978, Cid co-founded LifePlan, a career and life-planning service that helped people, particularly women, navigate career transitions.
Her belief that the arts play a valuable role in children’s lives led her to volunteer for 27 years with the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre. In addition to serving on the Board, Cid was an active member of PYT’s “costume ladies,” designing and sewing costumes for countless performances. Cid was also active in the Bay Head Yacht Club, where she especially enjoyed the friendships she made over the years and reading books to children. After her death, her children found the Moravian costume she wore as a volunteer tour guide for Historic Bethlehem still in her closet.
Cid also gave generously of her time in civic leadership. She served as Board Vice Chair of the Bethlehem Area Foundation and co-directed the Volunteer Action Center, connecting volunteers with community organizations in need. She served on the Musikfest and Chriskindlmarkt Boards, the Institutional Review Board at St. Luke’s, and as a Warden and member of the Vestry at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.
Cid was predeceased by her loving husband of over 60 years, Bob, and her daughter, Susan, who was always in her heart. She is survived by daughters Catherine of Bangkok, Thailand; Sarah and husband Colin Bryar of Seattle, WA; son Peter and wife Deborah of West Hartford, CT; and grandchildren Phoebe, Finnegan, and Samantha.
A memorial service in celebration of Cid’s life will be held in the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St. in Bethlehem, PA, on Saturday, March 21st at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Pearson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with her arrangements. www.pearsonfh.com.