Sylvia Shimberg Reay

Sylvia Shimberg Reay Passed away peacefully at her home in Davis on April 7, 2006, shortly after celebrating her 90th birthday with her family and lifelong friends. Born in New York City on March 7, 1916, Sylvia excelled in mathematics and had an outstanding academic career at Barnard College, MIT, and Columbia University, where she earned a master's degree in architecture and became one of the pioneers of women entering that profession. At Columbia School of Architecture she met her future husband Donald P. Reay, a Commonwealth Fellow from England. After marrying in 1942 the couple lived and worked in Canada and the UK, settling in Berkeley, CA, in 1955 where Don Reay taught at the University of California. Sylvia earned her California architect's license and embarked on a successful career as well as serving on the Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Board of Adjustments. She was also an active member of the American Institute of Architecture where she stood out as a role model for new generations of women entering architecture. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband in 2002, and is survived by her children Claudia Reay Livingston, M.D., of Santa Cruz, CA, Jonathan Reay of Dublin, CA, Caroline Reay, M.D., of Portland, OR, Elizabeth Reay, M.S., of Davis, CA, and eight grandchildren. A Memorial Service is being planned. For information contact 510-526-3394.