Cynthia Woods Mitchell, Mother of The Woodlands

Cynthia Woods Mitchell, Mother Of The Woodlands

“Behind every great man is a great woman.”

Cynthia Woods Mitchell is an icon all on her own. As an active philanthropist, she supported causes for children, endangered animals, and the arts. As the wife of businessman and developer George Mitchell, they were a major force in the restoration of Galveston and development of The Woodlands. As a mother, she raised 10 children and watched her family grow with the addition of 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. And as a member of the community, she was known for her intelligence, kindness, and dedication.

Cynthia and her identical twin sister were born in New York on September 24, 1922. In 1939 she and her sister moved to Houston to study at the University of Houston wherein she would eventually meet then Lieutenant George Mitchell in 1941. She would go on to marry him a few years later in 1943. Their marriage of 60 years has been notably marked by personal and professional achievements. Their contributions can be seen everywhere in both The Woodlands and Galveston.

Sadly, Cynthia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2002 and passed away on Dec 27, 2009, at the age of 87. Even then, Cynthia inspired George to give back to the community. The George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (University of Texas, Galveston) and George P. and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders (University of Texas Health Science Center) received additional resources and funding beyond her passing. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts was established to promote performance, visual and literary arts. A stroll in The Woodlands to admire its beautiful structures and statues can attest, there is no doubt that Cynthia Woods Mitchell’s legacy will continue on.

Click here for more information on the history of The Woodlands.