Sylvia Leibowitz

Sylvia Leibowitz passed away peacefully at her home in Corvallis on Sept. 26. She was 85. Sylvia was born in Los Angeles, Calif. She was the only child of Sam and Bessie Holtzman, who met in the United States after emigrating from Poland. Sylvia grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and Brooklyn, N.Y., where she met her beloved husband, Seymour. They eventually settled in Lakewood, N.J., and later in Brigantine, N.J. Their greatest joy was spending time with their three children and with friends in the Jewish community. Sylvia was a founding member of Congregation Ahavat Shalom in Lakewood, and served as president of the Sisterhood. She was president of the Lakewood Chapter of the Deborah Hospital Foundation, and taught fifth grade at Switlik Elementary School in Jackson, N.J. Sylvia was also president of Temple Beth Shalom in Brigantine. Sylvia loved doing crossword puzzles, and enjoyed playing Scrabble and Boggle with her family. She would often win, even in her later years. Her friends and family loved her gentle spirit and her warm laughter. Sylvia lost her husband, Seymour, in 2003, after 57 years of marriage. Three years later, Sylvia moved to Corvallis to be near her middle son, Scott, and her two youngest grandchildren, Elise and Kyle. She was a resident of Timberhill Place Assisted Living, where she was loved by residents and staff alike. She was also a member of Beit Am, the Mid-Willamette Valley Jewish Community. Sylvia often spoke of how much these new communities meant to her. Being with her family and new friends brought her great joy during her three years in Corvallis. She especially enjoyed the frequent visits of her grandchildren, who often stopped by after school. Sylvia is survived by her three children, Sheldon, Scott and Jerry; her four grandchildren, Felice, Stacey, Elise and Kyle; and her daughter-in-law, Veronika. She was buried on Sept. 30 in Egg Harbor, N.J., alongside her husband, Seymour. A memorial service will take place at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 S.W. West Hills Road, Corvallis. Donations can be made in Sylvia's memory to Beit Am, P.O. Box 1143, Corvallis 97339.

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Sylvia Leibowitz

December 14, 1923 - September 26, 2009