Services planned for ‘beloved’ teacher killed in Rogers Park crossfire

Shocked by the death of a longtime Chicago teacher who was killed by a stray bullet Friday night in Rogers Park, her North Side community looked to honor her memory on Saturday.

Cynthia Trevillion, 64, was caught in the crossfire while walking about 6:30 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Glenwood, when someone in a dark-colored SUV opened fire on two juveniles standing on the street near the Morse Red Line CTA station, authorities said.

Trevillion was struck in the neck and head, and she died after being taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Trevillion worked as a middle school math teacher at Chicago Waldorf School, where she was a member of the school’s faculty for more than 30 years, Administrative Director Luke Goodwin said. She taught at Waldorf for the last 14 years in Chicago, but previously worked for the private school system in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Her husband John Trevillion is also a Waldorf employee.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with John and Cynthia’s family,” Goodwin said. “Cynthia was a beloved faculty member for over 30 years. Her Waldorf family reaches hundreds if not thousands of grieving friends.”

A campaign set up on the fundraising website YouCaring had raised nearly $29,000 by Monday morning to help cover funeral costs.

“To be sure, Cynthia had dedicated her life to providing our children with the best education possible,” a statement on the site read.

Community members planned gathered Saturday night at Rogers Park Social, for a fundraiser for her family, and as an opportunity to honor her memory, according to an event posted on Facebook.

A Rogers Park community vigil was also conducted at Tobey Prinz Beach Park.

After the shooting, the vehicle drove off and the juveniles ran away, Ald Joe Moore (49th) said in a statement, adding that he was working with police and urged anyone with information to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8200.

“Our hearts are heavy today as our community grieves the loss of an innocent victim to gun violence,” Moore said.

The alderman said he was aware of an “increase in youths loitering” at the intersection where the shots were fired. Earlier this week, a “meet-and-greet” was held in front of a Dunkin Donuts at the Red Line station with local police officers.

“The police and the city must do its part, but we also need residents of the community to become more involved,” Moore said.

The neighborhood also experienced another shooting Friday night, which critically wounded a 15-year-old boy about 30 minutes earlier and about a mile away, Chicago Police said. The boy was shot in the back during an “altercation” in an alley off the 7100 block of North Ridge. He was also taken to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was in surgery Friday night and listed in critical condition.

CPD Chief of Patrol Fred Waller said the two shootings were not believed to be related.

The Waldorf School will “meet with grief counselors on Monday and plan for working with our students in age appropriate ways,” Goodwin said in a letter to students and faculty. “We believe that being together as community will best help us to process this event, support our families and friends, and prepare to move forward together.”

A public vigil and wake will be conducted from 1-7 p.m. Monday at Christian Community Church at 2135 W. Wilson Ave. A private funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m Tuesday at the church. The school has canceled classes so students, teachers and staff can attend.

Ald. Moore and 24th District Police Commander Roberto Nieves will host a community meeting to “map out an action plan in response to the recent gun violence” at 7 p.m. Monday at the corner of Morse and Glenwood.

The school will also host a “Celebration of Cynthia” on Saturday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m. for the school family and community to “remember and celebrate the generous and inspiring life of Cynthia Trevillion,” according to a post on the Chicago Waldorf School Community Facebook page.