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Sylvia Kerish Obituary

KERISH--Sylvia, September 25, 1917-May 31, 2007. To my beloved mother on your 90th birthday. Most devoted mom and grandma to lIyssa, David and Lauren. Adoring greatgrandma to Jason, Rebecca, Maya and Lola. Although your journey was arduous, you did not compromise and remained resolute. Your strength, intelligence, talent as an artist and utter selflessness continue to amaze me. Family was everything to you. As long as we live you will live, for you are now a part of us. I miss you beyond words. Love, your daughter Beverly.

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Published by New York Times from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Kerish

15 Entries

Beverly Kerish Greene

September 26, 2008

My Dearest Mom,
Today I am remembering you on your birthday. You were born on September 25, 1917. Without you I would not be here and I am still missing you. I think of you every day. You were very wise, extremely intuitive and knew lots more than you gave yourself credit for. You were an avid reader, intelligent, friendly and personable. I don't think I fully appreciated your strength or your mind. I regret that. I never fully understood your determination, your own losses, the difficulties you endured. It is only in the past few years that I realized how powerful you were. This was especially so at the end. You were proud, stubborn, and utterly determined to follow the path you and you alone, chose. You had made up your mind.Your decision was extraordinary.You were only worried for me and that I would be alone after you died. Talk about unselfishness.

Last year at Gurwin your book club ladies told me that everyone quieted down when you -Sylvia- had something to say about the books you discussed. They made a special effort to listen to your weakened voice so as not to miss anything you had to say. You avidly read many important books -cover to cover - and got through them all. (You read them even when you didn't care for the book, but you always insisted on finishing them!)The club members said your comments were truly insightful.They greatly valued your take on the selections because they were so interesting and added another dimension to the discussion. You were highly regarded and genuinely respected. Did you know that?

I remember how beautiful you looked when you were 42 or so, all dressed up in a black gown for a very special evening out. I thought you were stunning. You were young and beautiful.

More importantly, you were friendly and kind -always -offering to help people even when you were compromised. Unbelievable.I saw it all the time - you had a generosity of spirit and cared, really cared, about others.
It was heartwarming to hear people say they would miss you and genuinely mean it. You would have been very pleased by all the sweet remembrances, especially those of your beloved grandchildren, after we lost you.

As for me, I remember how you cooked me lunch when I came home from school - yes, lamb chops! How you fed me when I was studying for exams in college, lest I waste away from lack of food. How you sat with me while I was practically in tears, helping me to read Proust, insisting that I finish the assignment and not wavering. How you told me you knew I was beautiful when I went to my junior high school prom and you put make up on me for the first time and dressed me in a blue chiffon evening dress. How you proudly told everyone that I spoke when I was nine months old, how I was brought into a fourth grade class to read aloud when I was in first or second grade. I know I meant the world to you and I was treasured. Your love was unconditional. Often I felt like a trophy child because I was more important to you than anything - even yourself. I was frequently embarassed. I should not have been. You were open in your declarations, unlike my Dad. Only when he died and I found the clippings about me in his wallet with my achievements did I know how proud he was. My relationship with him was over too soon. When Uncle Ruby told you to send me to work after his death, you absolutely refused. I was going to college and I did - the first one in our family. You knew what had to be done. You didn't finish high school (until later) because you -of all the seven siblings-took care of your terribly sick mother, Clara - whom you adored -and my Dad was pulled out of school at fourteen to support his family. You wanted me to have a better future.

You were deeply loved and will be always. Your love has sustained and guided me and it has been the longest and most meaningful relationship of my life. You were mother and father to me since I was seventeen and I thank you for all the sacrifices and the selfless devotion I was fortunate enough to have received from you Ma. It is only now that I have my own family that I fully appreciate you and everything you did for me.
I kiss your hand and only wish I could hold it now, hug you, and hear your voice.
I love you,
Your one and only
Beverly

laurie rafkin

September 23, 2008

Sylvia was a very special person who I got to know from our brief conversations over the telephone. We talked about books and about her loving daughter.
She was very proud of her daughter.

Laurie

Lauren Greene

September 22, 2008

Gram, I miss you so much. I have vivid memories of how you took care of me as a little girl, in your apartment in New Haven - cooking the BEST chickens (which you later admitted you hated!), fostering the artist in me, and taking great pride in my being able to say "Anatole" in a French accent. You taught me to eat ketchup on my scrambled eggs (which, at 30, I still do)!

You cared so deeply for everyone, sometimes more than for yourself - you were a doting sister, daughter, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and bubbe, not to mention a wonderful friend. Your voice weakened over time, but that never put a damper on your personality.

I am sad that you didn't make it to the wedding, but I know you loved Brian and approved...you were there in spirit, I know.

Thinking of you often and with much love...missing you very much,
Lauren

Marco Manfre

September 22, 2008

Sylvie,

A sweet memory of you remains in all who ever crossed your path. I consider myself fortunate that you and I were part of each other's lives.

Thank you.

Sandy Roseman

September 20, 2008

My dearest Aunt Sylvie,

It is with great sadness that you have left us. You were a sparkling light within the Kolotkin family. From my loving mom, your sister, Grace, to your sisters, Molly and Rosie, and brothers, Harry, Jack, and Irving…all who have left us…will be in our hearts forever.

Each of the Kolotkin sisters and brothers approached life on very different and interesting paths …and we, as cousins, from Beverly, your loving daughter, to Rochelle (who left us recently), Helene, Bunny, Sandy, Phyllis (who left us over 2 years ago), Claire, Marvin, Howie, Lenore and Victoria…are the beautiful legacies of the Kolotkin family, in addition to all the cousins’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I will never forget…many, many years ago when my parents decided to leave New York and move to Florida, you gave me a little red-snap purse filled with love and containing $2.50. I treasured your gift and your loving gesture is with me to this very day.

Although it was over 3 years ago that we last shared a happy occasion at Phyllis’ daughter’s wedding, I am thankful that we were able to spend some time together and I cherish the photo taken of us.

You were a very special lady, Aunt Sylvie, and you, my dear Aunt, will always hold an extra-special place in my heart.

Forever,
Your loving niece,
Sandy

Brian Camelio

September 20, 2008

What first struck me about Sylvia when I first met her out at Kathy and Ray's was her gentle spirit and how welcome she made me feel. She immediately felt like family and I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend the time with her that I did.

David Greene

September 20, 2008

Grammy - I think of you often, particularly how glad I am that you were able to meet and get to know Maya, along with your other great-grandchildren. She'll always know who her Bubbe was, and that makes me very happy. Whenever I think of you I think of Coney Island and the Boardwalk, the train rides to Brooklyn, and the giant Hershey's candy bars that you used to bring when you would visit us in New Haven. I remember sleeping in your apartment in Brooklyn, listening to the street sounds from below. I think of your cooking, and of your television always tuned to PBS and your radio always tuned to 1010 Wins. And the pride with which you would show off Mom's childhood stuff. You were just what a grandmother should be, and I miss you.
love
David

Cynthia and Stephen Belis

September 20, 2008

Our hearts go out to you, Beverly, and to your family on the loss of your beloved mom and grandma. Sylvia was the quintessential mom and grandma. Love of family was her lifelong priority, and she was there for everyone with unbounding love and caring, and, of course, great food. Sylvia had many other gifts. She was a talented artist, a lover of the performing arts, an avid reader, and a woman who possessed a keen intellect. We know you will miss her, but take comfort in the love she imparted and in the warm memories of your times spent together.

With our love,

Cynthia and Stephen

Ilyssa Frey

September 19, 2008

Love you Gram, I think about you every day. You were the best grammy ever, and a wonderful bubbe. I hope you have found peace. We love you very much.
Ilyssa, Michael, Rebecca and Jason

Linda Goldkrantz

September 19, 2008

I have fond memories of Sylvia Kerish as a gracious hostess, a very intelligent woman, a devoted mom and grandmom and a credit to her generation. What a beautiful role model to remember and emulate.

Beverly Kerish

April 15, 2008

Mom I miss you so much. I am heartbroken because I can't see you, touch you and talk to you. I cannot believe that almost a year has passed since you left us. Not being there at Lauren's wedding makes me profoundly sad. Your presence there will be sorely missed. I love you so very, very much.You continue to be in my thoughts each and every day.I love you Ma and will for as long as I live.
For all that you have done for me and for all the love you showered on me, I am eternally grateful. You were selfless and giving -always and there for me whenever I was in need.
With my deepest appreciation for who you were and are, I am your Beverly

Howard Kolotkin

November 16, 2007

Sylvia is great aunt. She always comfortable with us. We miss her very much. Love Nancy and Howard

sherry greene

November 15, 2007

Sylvia was a women who loved her family very deeply. She was brave when faced with cancer.She was a good and caring person Sherry

Stephen & Marilyn Rosenthal

September 26, 2007

The love that you expressed in this remembrance is a special tribute to your mom and the role that she played in you life. You are very fortunate to have these memories.

Claire Manfre

September 26, 2007

I will always have loving memories of your mother. May she rest in peace and may her soul find comfort with other family members who love her.

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