Cynthia Bayt Bradford

February 26, 1954 – June 7, 2026

Cynthia Bayt Bradford lived a life filled with joy, gratitude, music, and love. She passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, after a courageous journey with multiple myeloma. During her final months, she was cared for with exceptional kindness, dignity, and compassion by the dedicated staff of the Minnesota Masonic Home and Grace Hospice in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Tillie (Nichols) Bayt and Anthony “Tony” Bayt, and by her beloved husband of nearly forty years, John Elliott Bradford.

Cynthia’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Meredith Bradford, along with Meredith's children, Bear and Indigo Keeney, and Alex Keeney. She is also survived by her daughter, Jill Bradford Baller, Jill’s husband, Jakob Baller, and their children, James and Matilda Baller. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother, Anthony P. “Tony” Bayt, his wife, Kim, and their family, all of whom she loved dearly.

Becoming a grandmother was one of Cynthia’s greatest blessings. She was especially grateful to her grandson James for giving her the name “Ahma,” a title she wore with pride and delight. Hearing her grandchildren say, “I love you, Ahma,” brought her a happiness beyond measure.

For 35 years, Cynthia shared her love of music with generations of students in the Crown Point, Indiana school district, teaching at MacArthur Elementary, Eisenhower Elementary, and Robert A. Taft Middle School. She was the founder and director of the Southlake Children’s Choir in Northwest Indiana and served as a respected guest clinician for honor choirs and all-state choirs throughout the country. She found deep fulfillment in every classroom, performance, and professional development initiative, including her work with the Indiana Department of Education and the State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards (SCASS) in Washington, D.C.

A proud 1976 graduate of Luther College, Cynthia then earned her Masters in Education from Indiana University. As a published composer with Colla Voce Music she leaves behind a meaningful musical legacy. She lived with purpose and boundless curiosity, believing wholeheartedly in the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Edina.

To celebrate Cynthia’s memory and her love of music, donations may be made to the Crown Point Music Boosters at Crown Point High School c/o Johann Sletto 1500 S Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307. 

The family finds great comfort in her wisdom, her artistry, and her enduring impact on others. Her song lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.