Sylvia Myrtle Schumacher Segel

Sylvia Myrtle Schumacher Segel 08/15/1922 ~ 10/19/2010 OCEANSIDE -- Sylvia Segel, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 in Encinitas. We will miss her and love her forever. She was born in Milwaukee, WI to Eastern-European Jewish parents and was deeply connected to her Jewish heritage and Yiddish culture. Sylvia's life was devoted to helping others and serving her family. As a young woman, she was an accomplished cello player, and taught International Morse Code to enlisted soldiers during World War II. She adored children and taught kindergarten for 22 years in Milwaukee's inner-city schools. In her later years, she traveled the world with her late husband Albert Segel, and raised her granddaughter, Leah Harris, from the age of five. Sylvia loved to collect recipes and cook, knit, read, play the organ, tell jokes in Yiddish, and was a spectacular dancer. She is survived by her son, Dr. Robert Harris and daughter-in-law, Renee Harris; brother, Melvin Schumacher; granddaughters, Leah Harris and Rayna Harris; great-grandson, Sami Akil; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gail Harris; sister, Arlene Altman; husband, Albert Segel; and her dear companion later in life, her dog "Truffles." We are deeply thankful to Zaldy L. Balanquit of Life Saver Home Care for providing outstanding care in the last months of her life. Her funeral will be held on Friday, October 22 at 1 p.m. at the El Camino Real Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego. 92121. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com