Dr. Cynthia Gertrude Kruger, Professor Emerita of Education, University of Massachusetts passed away peacefully on July 2, 2021 at Charlton Memorial Hospital at the age of 79.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Dr. Kruger was the daughter of the late Ernest P. and Gertrude (St. Jacques) Kruger, and is survived by her son Timothy Kruger and his wife Julie of Swansea and her three beloved grandchildren, Timmy, Kyle, and Macie.
She was preceded in death by her beloved poodle Sammy.
A 1964 graduate of Bridgewater State College who later went on to receive a Master's Degree from Clark University and a Ph.D. from Fordham University, Dr. Kruger began working at UMass Dartmouth in 1970 and was a professor of education with the university for more than 40 years.
In addition to her passion for teaching and strong commitment to public and higher education, Dr. Kruger was also a local politician, serving as a New Bedford city councilor for 16 years. She also held a brief role as the city's first female acting mayor in the early '80s.
A devout Catholic, Dr. Kruger was a communicant and eucharistic minister at St. Lawrence Church. She enjoyed singing, playing both the piano and organ, the theater and traveling. She will be sadly missed by family, friends, and community members.
Her Funeral Mass will be held celebrated on Thursday, July 8th at 10 AM at St. Lawrence Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.