Sylvia Kronstadt

The reminder to remember you, Sylvia, greeted me this morning in my email box. I think of you often. I hope somewhere in the vast universe you've found peace. I won't forget you.

Memory from high school we attended together: Sylvia did not like to drive. When she did it was in her father's gigantic station wagon. She drove like an old lady (scrunched forward, rarely exceeding 30 mph, and nervous as a cat...drove me crazy then but now it makes me laugh and I miss it.

My heart is broken. As a young man, I loved this woman. We had some good times. Went our separate ways but briefly reconnected a few years ago when I became aware of her later accomplishments and travails. A bright light has gone out. Joe, you were a lucky man.

Alas, Sylvia will never know how very much I appreciate her admonishment in the hallway of Olympus Junior High..."NEVER end a sentence with AT!" Haha... Ever since that fateful day, I have been ultra-sensitive to those preposition-ending sentences and too often have repeated Sylvia's grammar advice... to the great chagrin of my co-workers and children!

I have not seen Sylvia since the day.. over 45 years ago.. when she read to me the letter she had received from Bess Myerson. Sylvia...

My sincere condolences to the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Psalms 9: 9,10

I was so sad to read of Sylvia's death in the paper this morning. She was stunning and eloquent and powerful and intimidating. It took all my courage to sign up with Sylvia as my writing coach in the early 80s. Her guidance was profound and insightful. Syliva helped me conclude that the gap between my writing talent and aspirations was significant enough that I should forage around to understand my other talents and exploit them. I will forever admire and envy her eloquence. I am now...

Joe - I talked to Sylvia only a few times, but our dads were the best of friends. What a terrible loss for you. My husband George died in December, and Starks did a lovely job for us. My heart and soul are with you.