Obituary of Cynthia Dee Shenker
Cynthia Dee Shenker, 62, passed away peacefully at home, Monday, March 26th, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Jim Campbell and her daughters Alexandra (Kasey King) and Madeline. Alex and Kasey were recently married with Cindy ensuring no detail was too small, resulting in a memorable gathering. She is the sister of Bruce Shenker, sister of Karla Reynolds and aunt to six nieces and nephews. Her parents Martin and Joyce Shenker survive her.
Cindy was born April 8, 1955 in the Bronx, growing up in Rockland County and graduating from Spring Valley High School. Cindy then attended Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations earning her degree in 1976 in three years. During her senior year she interned in the NYS Assembly Labor Committee. Upon graduation, Cindy was employed as a committee clerk for the 1977 legislative session and entered law school that fall, attending Western New England Law School nights, graduating in 1981, all the while continuing to work full-time in the Assembly. She later became Counsel to the Majority Leader, serving in that capacity for almost 20 years for three Majority Leaders. Following the Assembly, she joined the law firm Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman and Dicker in 1994 as a founding member of the firm’s Albany Government Relations practice, attaining full equity partnership and serving on the firm’s international executive committee. Cindy left Wilson Elser in 2015 to create her own firm of Shenker Russo & Clark LLP in Albany, New York. Under her leadership, Shenker Russo & Clark has grown to a staff of nearly twenty professionals. Additional accomplishments include a recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by the Albany Business Review; a New York State-certified women owned business, as well as numerous other staff awards for community service and a commitment to diversity. Cindy was known for her tenacious “unstoppable” personality, impeccable reputation, exceptional legal acumen and an unwavering commitment to superior service both professionally and in the community.
Cindy was a resident of the Capital District for over 40 years, and served her community by participating on a number of local and statewide boards and organizations including: Congregation Beth Emeth, To Life!, Eleanor’s Legacy, Family Planning Advocates and Jewish Family Services. Cindy has been recognized by the Albany County Legislature as a “Trailblazing Woman who has shown an outstanding commitment to our community and changed our history”; a Woman of Distinction Award presented by the NYS Assembly “for making a difference, showing leadership and continuing to inspire all”; and by City and State’s Albany Power 100 in 2015 & 2016. Known for her unparalleled generosity, Cindy was never too busy to stop and help her colleagues, friends and family, no matter how small or significant the request.
Services will be held at Congregation Beth Emeth on Wednesday, March 28th at 12:30. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cindy’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Cindy to Eleanor’s Legacy at https://www.eleanorslegacy.com/contribute/ or the Shenker/Campbell Clergy Development Fund at Congregation Beth Emeth. A period of mourning will take place at the Campbell/Shenker home following interment and from 6 PM to 9 PM Wednesday and Thursday evening. Memorial donations may be made to https://www.bethemethalbany.org/site/donate-detail/shenker-campbell-clergy-development-endowment-fund/
