Longtime Falls Church business leader Cynthia Murphy Elkin died last Friday, Feb. 13, surrounded by family and close friends. Elkin and her late husband, Jim Elkin, were important leaders of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce since coming to Falls Church in the mid-1990s and operating the Point of View Eyewear business on W. Broad St., a business that she sold to close friend Bill Mueller a few years back.

Cindy Elkin was preceded in her death by her husband of over 30 years, Jim Elkin, who served three terms from 2001 to 2003 as chairman of the F.C. Chamber before dying in 2005. Jim died Feb. 15, 2005, almost 10 years to the day of Cindy’s passing on Feb. 13, 2015. Upon Jim’s passing, Cindy helped initiate an annual Chamber award, the James S. Elkin Award for Humanitarianism, and served on the Chamber board of directors.

Cindy Elkin also served on the Falls Church City Public Schools Business in Education Partnership Council, being its chair for several years, thinking of creative ways that the business and school community could work together. “She was always a kind and generous partner to the schools and our families, helping children who needed eye exams and glasses, volunteering to read at Mt. Daniel School for Read Across America Day. She truly understood the importance of all facets of the community coming together for the greater good,” wrote Marybeth Connelly, school staffer for the BIE Partnership and member of the Falls Church City Council.

Cindy Elkin leaves behind four children – Haley, Valerie, James and Clyde – as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild, daughter Kathy and her special friend, Lou Miller. A viewing was scheduled for last Tuesday at the Murphy Funeral Home and a funeral service was set for yesterday at the St. Francis Church in Great Falls.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Virginia Hospital Center Medical Brigade.