Sylvia Littman

Sylvia Littman NORFOLK - Sylvia Littman, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, passed away July 9, 2010 surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Clara and Sam Wishneff and was predeceased by her husband, Henry Littman; her sister, Pauline Wishneff; and brothers, Jack Neff and Alvin Wishneff. Sylvia was born in Russia Dec. 27, 1909 and immigrated to the United States as a young child. She met the love of her life, Henry, in the Catskill Mountains of New York and was married Dec. 26, 1943 before relocating to Norfolk where she lived the remainder of her life in the Wards Corner area. Until his death in 1987, Sylvia and Henry traveled the globe while raising their two children. Later in life, Sylvia met her special friend, Sydney Chernick, who remained her steady companion until his death in 2006. Sylvia was dedicated to and very active in her commitment as a member to Temple Israel in Norfolk where she was known as the "Temple Matriarch" and its oldest member. Throughout her life, she was involved with charitable organizations including Meals on Wheels, Jewish Singles Weekends and The Brith Shalom Lodge where she held several offices. Sylvia will be remembered for her sense of humor, love of life and love of family. She was always the last one to leave a party. Sylvia is survived by her children, Jeffrey Littman and his wife Elayne of Chesapeake and Barbara Weiss and her husband Alan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; grandchildren, Stephanie Banks and her husband Randy, Meredith Littman and her fiancé Mario and Darren Littman and his wife Michelle; great-grandchildren, Helena, Parker and Lilly Banks; sisters-in-law, Ruth Wishneff and Sylvia Neff; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Nancy Metheny. The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. in Temple Israel in Norfolk. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Rabbi Michael Panitz will officiate. The family will be observing Shiva at the home of Jeff and Elayne Littman, 1229 Masters Row, Chesapeake, through Friday, July 16. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Israel, Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia or the charity of the donor's choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel, is handling arrangements.