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Sylvia Pressler Obituary
Pressler died Monday morning at the family's home in Sparta, according to her husband, David Pressler. She had been battling lymphoma and was scheduled to begin chemotherapy treatments Tuesday, he said.
While serving as a hearing examiner with New Jersey's Division on Civil Rights, Pressler ruled that a 12-year-old northern New Jersey girl should have been allowed to play on a Little League team.
"The institution of Little League is as American as the hot dog and apple pie," Pressler wrote in a sharply worded opinion. "There is no reason why that part of Americana should be withheld from girls."
The ruling was decried by Little League as "conceived in vindictive and prejudicial fashion of the worst kind," but it was upheld on appeal, and New Jersey became the first state to bar sex discrimination in Little League.
By the following year, Little League amended its charter to allow girls and also created a softball division.
Pressler's own career took shape at a time when the legal profession was overwhelmingly male. She earned her law degree from Rutgers in 1960 and was one of the first women in the state to clerk for an Appellate Division judge.
She was appointed to her first judgeship in 1973 and four years later became one of the first women to be assigned to the Appellate Division. In 1997, she became the first woman to be named the division's presiding judge, where she was responsible for keeping the judicial calendar and managing staff besides hearing cases.
Beginning in the late 1960s, Pressler authored an annually updated book on the rules governing New Jersey courts that required her to review "every case, every day," her husband said.
"She worked very hard at it," David Pressler said. "She brought great talent and great energy togeth er."
The Little League case reached Pressler in 1973. Maria Pepe, a 12-year-old Hoboken resident, had played three games for her Little League team the year before but stopped when Little League's national office threatened to revoke the league's charter. The National Organization for Women filed a lawsuit on her behalf.
Pressler said his wife didn't consider the Little League case one of her more difficult decisions, despite its ramifications and the publicity surrounding it.
"It was an important case because of its timing," he said. "But it was perfectly obvious to her that they were completely cockeyed in barring girls if they were physically able."
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
38 Entries
Calling 'em as she sees 'em...
Perry Barber
October 6, 2010
Eight months after she left us, Judge Pressler is remembered by the girls who play baseball today because of the ruling she handed down in 1973.
Girls and women all over the planet who play, umpire, coach, and love baseball, owe Judge Pressler our gratitude. We honor her with every swing of the bat and every flight of the ball!
How you can show support
Helen Foster
March 2, 2010
Sylvia was a dear person full of kindness and warmth. She will surely be missed. Although I haven't seen any of you since Drs. Markham and Tobias retired, I do think of the many times we shared each other's company. May God give you strength in this time of sorrow.My prayers are with you.
S Ferrari
February 24, 2010
Please accept my heart filled condolences on your loss. While I did not know Judge Pressler, she touch my life and that of my daughter who played in little league baseball in 1997. While she was only one of two girls on the boys league, she held her own. Because of Judge Pressler's ruling my daughter was allowed to play. My daughter continues to play softball for her college. Judge Pressler, you were an inspiration to all women. I know you are in Heaven with God, because people like you are truly special. Thank you - may God bless your family and give them peace at this time.
February 23, 2010
May God Bless and keep you in this your time of pain and grief.
Dorothy Wallace
David Oxman
February 21, 2010
David and Family-Please accept my sincerest condolences on Sylvia's passing. Working with you and Sylvia in the 1950's and 1960's during the many Political Campaigns was a treasure of friendship I will never forget. I truly was in tears upon learning of her passing from my Son Peter. I am in Houston, 82, and still working. Hopefully, we will touch base later.
David Oxman
[email protected]
Randy & Althea Moss
February 20, 2010
We are deeply saddened over this great lost. Please accept our condolences and sympathy. May God give you the strength to carry on and may you find comfort from His Word, the Bible.
Sara Mandelbaum
February 19, 2010
To the entire Pressler family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Judge Pressler was a critical figure in my life. I clerked for her many years ago and she has served as a towering role model ever since. She was brilliant, compassionate and eloquent -- a winning and formidable combination. I learned a great deal from her and I am sad that she is gone.
S. Bell
February 19, 2010
She was a friend to Legal Services, and a receptive, understanding ear for our clients. There is more to the administration of the law then blind adherence to its letter, and she knew that and conducted herself with compassion and integrity. Her presence on the bench will be missed.
Larry Pressler
February 19, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Chele
February 19, 2010
My Condolence to the family,......God is GOOD.......Trust in the Lord, he will see you through.....
Virginia Dugan
February 19, 2010
Very sad...
Bandorian Cromartie
February 19, 2010
Take her up and yonder good bye and god bless
Charles H. Miranda
February 18, 2010
=======================================
I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE WIND.
=======================================
YOU HAVE GONE WITH THE WIND
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY;
YOU HAVE GONE WITH THE WIND
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY,
I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE
WIND;
I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE
WIND,
THE WIND CARRIES YOUR NAME
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY;
THERE'S A FIRE IN THE SKY
AS THE SOUND OF THUNDER AND
LIGHTNING ARE ROARING ACROSS
THE BLUE SKY,
THEN SUDDENLY FROM OUT OF NO
WHERE I HEAR YOUR SWEET
SOFTLY VOICE CALLING OUT TO
ME IN THE WIND;
AND IT BRINGS TEARS OF JOY TO
MY EYES TO HEAR YOUR SWEET
SOFTLY VOICE CALLING OUT TO ME
IN THE WIND.
=======================================
Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
=============================
William Dillon
February 18, 2010
I watched the Little League World Series last year and thought of her. All those cute little girls running around cheering for the boys. Thanks, Judge.
Lavie
February 18, 2010
May happy memories and warm thoughts comfort you in this time of sorrow.
John 5:28, 29.
February 18, 2010
Sincere condolences to Sylvia's family. As I had no daughters to play baseball I know my two son's experience was enrighed by having yound women on their teams. There are many of us who have her to thank.
February 18, 2010
Our sincere condolences go out to Sylvia's family and loved ones. Zichron l'vracha.
Daniel and Eileen Lichtblau, Champaign IL
PS We just celebrated our 25th anniversary. In addition to the many things on her busy judicial calendar, Judge Pressler somehow found the time to preside at our wedding in Englewood on Feb 16, 1985.
Denise Day
February 18, 2010
I am not blessed with athletic abilities,but my 2 best friends and my daughters are. My friends attained high achievements,one nearing Olympic status.They were the first to benefit from the judge's decision.
My daughters are in the beginning teen years,and I can't imagine them NOT playing sports.
She may not have considered herself an innovator,but she was,and there are millions of grateful girls! I remind mine all the time how lucky they are to be able to play -- that their grandmothers weren't allowed,though they had the capabilities.
Condolences to the family on a life well lived,and one that will live on forever!
February 18, 2010
I, like the others who have written, was a young girl who wanted to play baseball when I was young but was not allowed because I was a girl. I wish someone like Mrs. Pressler was around back then. Girls today take all this for granted. They should be so thankful that a woman had the courage to make it happen for them. Rest In Peace.
Stacy High-Brinkley
February 18, 2010
I did not know Sylvia Pressler but I WAS the first girl to play Little League Baseball in Virginia in1974. I just wanted to play with my brother ...so i asked and they took it up to the head folks and i got to play! THANK YOU and GOD SPEED!
Stacy High-Brinkley
Billy Lowe
February 18, 2010
Azbug, Stienum, Pressler, o-hair, and others of that ilk, it's amazing what eternal rewards and with whom by their earthly works they will reap.
February 18, 2010
To the Family of Sylvia Pressler,
I am so sorry for the loss of such a family treasure like Mrs.Pressler. I know she will be greatly missed.
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
Psalms 34:18-"God is near"...
The Grant Family
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
February 18, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE PRESSLER FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW JUDGE PRESSLER.
Derrell
February 18, 2010
My deepest condolences are with you in your time of grief. May you continue to find comfort in the memories that you all shared together and get comfort from knowing one day Sickness will be no more and Death will be a thing of the past. In times of grief such as these, I find it comforting to meditate on the words found in the Holy Writings at Job 14:14, 15. Job expressed his faith that God would bring him back to life if he should fall asleep in death, "All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you." The scriptures indicate that it is possible to reunite with your loved one in the near future, right here on earth under peaceful, righteous conditions. Psalms 37:10, 11 offers us this promise. My sincere condolences to your entire family.
CJ
February 17, 2010
I did not know of Judge Sylvia Pressler until today. I am a 56 year old woman who wanted to play baseball with my brother and couldn't because I was a girl. I was better than most on the team but still I wasn't allowed. Even though I was past the age of the law helping me, it helped so many others like me. Thank you and rest in peace Judge Pressler.
Shelley Ford
February 17, 2010
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you. Although we haven’t met, all of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. Turn to the Holy Scriptures for guidance and to help soothe your heart. Psalms 34;18 assures us that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
R Golay
February 17, 2010
To the the family of Sylvia Pressler - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Sylvia will be missed by many.
Nadia Wajda
February 17, 2010
Dear Mr.Pressler, Noah, Jessica & family, please accept my deepest condolences.
Mrs. Pressler was like a mother to me,
I thank her for her good heart and wonderful memories.
Love Nadia Wajda (Wilton, Connecticut)
Ewa Lakoma
February 17, 2010
Your home taught me how to enjoy life and be happy, thank you so much.
February 17, 2010
Often we do not realize the impact of significant decisions until the person is gone. I too was one of the fortunate ones to have been impacted by Judge Pressler's foresight. At 12 years old, the first time softball was permitted in the MYGAL (Middletown Youth Girls Athletic League in 1976, our All Star Team ventured to the NJ State Finals. I am now 45 years old and I carry those fond memories with me. Thank you to Judge Pressler for paving the way....Sympathy to all of her family. Grace M. (Bethlehem, PA)
Patricia Willard
February 17, 2010
To David, Jessica, Noah and grandchildren: Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sylvia was an inspiration to me, not only as a brilliant mentor but also in light of her obvious love of and pride in her family. She will always be one of my heroes, and I am so sorry for your terrible loss.
Raven Sheldon
February 17, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with in your time of grief. 2 Corinthians 1:4
February 17, 2010
Pressler Family and Friends,"May the peace of God that excels all thought guard your hearts amd memtal powers by means of Christ Jesus. Philippians:4,7
Ruth Carpenter
February 17, 2010
Thank you Judge Sylvia Pressler. If it wasn't for assertive females like you, females would still be functioning in the dark ages. I pray you mentored many proteges.
Ryan
February 17, 2010
My condolences to Ms. Pressler's family. Please take comfort in the loving assurance found in the Scriptures at Isaiah 61.2
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