The Port Washington arts community lost a piece of its soul with the recent passing of Cinde Nissen

Backstage to front-of-house, Cinde wore many hats: performer, director, producer, author, stagehand, administrator, cheerleader and everything in between. From full-scale Play Troupe productions down to simple dramatic readings at the library, she embodied the time-honored credo: "The show must go on."

Growing up and going through school with her talented children, "Mrs. Nissen" was the biggest booster for our budding artistic endeavors, be they in school or out. From musicals and drama to our (sometimes questionable) music and vocal performances, her support was always positive, her feedback pointed and professional. She made it OK to aspire to a life in the arts. And of course, her home was always open for the obligatory after-show celebration.

In later years, Cinde was an early volunteer on the committee to refurbish the dormant theatre at Main Street School. Now Landmark on Main Street's wildly popular Jeanne Rimsky Theatre, the shows continue to "go on."

Yes, a bright light in Port's marquee has been extinguished, but Cinde Nissen's radiance will forever shine in all she touched.