Sylvia Karpel

KARPEL--Sylvia, died peacefully at her home in the Bronx on December 5th. Born in 1917 in New York City, She was a devoted daughter to Minnie and Louis Rubin and a loving sister to Martha and Phyllis. She shared 54 years with Kermit Karpel whom she married in 1939. The beloved mother of Kenneth and his partner Ira Rosenblum, Sylvia was embraced by their friends as well, who were drawn to her vitality and wisdom. Sylvia earner her B.A. at Hunter College at night while working at Macy's. She was justifiably proud of her teaching career at PS99 Bronx where in addition to commitment to her pupils, she ultimately trained many of the young inexperienced teachers that had joined the system because of the war in Vietnam. After retiring she volunteered in neighborhood schools and taught adults English as a second language. She had a lifelong love of language and words. Travels to Europe, Israel, North Africa and throughout the US with Kermit fed her perpetual curiosity and desire to learn. Sylvia loved her time at the bridge table, but more than the game, she treasured her friends with whom she shared this time. We mourn her death and celebrate her life, she is survived by her sister Phyllis, a foster sister Harriet, her son Kenneth and his partner Ira, and her nieces and nephews Roslyn, Lewis, Gary, Lauren, Karen, Joel, and Andrea. Funeral services will be held on Sunday December 9th at 2:00pm at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel on Amsterdam Ave. at 91st St. in Manhattan. Following services, family and friends are invited to gather at Kenneth and Ira's 240 West 98th St, Apt 13F where Shiva will be observed.