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SYMA MELAMED Obituary

MELAMED--Syma Krichefsky, on June 29 at age 90. The greatest! Predeceased by her husband, Lou, in 2005, she is survived by her children, Jill (Bernadette Flagler) and Fred (Leslee); Grandchildren, Lee and Alec; niece, Phyllis Sondes; Nephews, Ricky Kane, Benny Kane, Freddy Freifeld (Karen), Philip Freifeld (Helen); sister-in-law, Rhoda Kane; and many friends but three particularly special and dear ones: Rosie Tobias Shaw, Colette Mincu, and Jillieon Davids. She was also predeceased by her beloved siblings, Marty Kane and Sylvia Freifeld. The social and family nexus; the glue that held the glue together; a powerhouse, matriarch who will be tremendously missed.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for SYMA MELAMED

Sponsored by anonymous.

17 Entries

Jill Melamed

May 24, 2020

Wow! What gift to see a message almost seven years after Syma's death. Whoever you are, Lisa, thank you very much.

Lisa

May 23, 2020

Syma was my friend....we went to casual dinner when I lived in town in 1989 ...she was my gossip buddy and told me everything. She was impeccable...inside and out. A truly lovely human. I will never forget her, never.

David Kuba

August 16, 2014

I will always treasure the memories I have of Syma. For so many years we chatted endlessly about our family histories and shared stories. I will always miss Syma's wonderful style, her wonderful sense of humour and her laugh.

bernadette flagler

July 16, 2014

(Thinking of Syma, a year later, but not a day goes by.)
RIP to the great Syma Melamed, mother to Fred and Jill, who loved her family, New York and a good story. Some personal favorites: tales from the golden age of Broadway, a hilarious story of appearing in a Dupont Play of the Month performance with Laurence Olivier, the time she danced Merv Griffin off a roof top in Fire Island, the time she put on a tennis outfit, (complete with a racket) to pass as a WASP to make a business deal in an exclusive non-Jewish town in the 50's, the time she sold stationery to a pleasantly odd Jackie Kennedy with Lee Radziwill on the phone saying “Don't listen to my sister!”, her tales of the Bronx in the 30s and 40s, of working for the United Services for New Americans after the war, her decades long friendship with Rosie Tobias Shaw. All stories replete with humility and charm and where appropriate, cursing like a truck driver. But most of all I will remember Syma's kindness, generosity and an insistence on a good time. One of the last things she asked was that Jill and I promise to have a happy life. What an excellent promise, to make a longer list of ways to be happy.

Jill Melamed

June 29, 2014

I love you.

Karen Klingon

August 11, 2013

Dear Jill and Fred,

I'm very sad to learn that Syma is gone, and sorry for your loss. She was such a devoted friend to my mother for fifty years--loyal, generous, empathetic and just plain fun. They spoke on the phone every day, and Syma was the last of my mother's friends to visit before she died. I was there for the visit and was amazed at how my mother rallied when your mother was sitting by her bedside. Anyone would be blessed to have a friend like Syma. Heartfelt sympathies to both of you, and your families.

Jenny Amler

July 6, 2013

We treasure fond memories of our vibrant neighbor! Deepest condolences and love from Mel, Rob, Caroline and Jenny Amler

Jill

July 2, 2013

Well, well. Mother Nature got even you. How could you? I ask as if you had much say in the matter.
What I know is that you did not doubt the depth of my love for you. Too late to bargain. The chips fell. It is hard to believe. I appreciate the heads up. Oh boy. Oh boy. Ok. Ok. I will accept it. I have to. A monstrously sad loss for me.

July 2, 2013

Jillieon Davids

July 2, 2013

Our lives connection with ever be illuminated.

Your style, your grace, your poise, your class, your smile, your stories, your many experiences and most of all your love and caring.

Rest well my dearest Syma

July 1, 2013

Jill and Fred, please accept my condolences of the passing of your mom, a beautiful woman of virtue that I have never met, I have heard so such beautiful things about her. I wish you both and the rest of the family God's blessings.
Colin

Carl Kabat

July 1, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear this. She and Lou were such good friends with my parents. My condolences to Jill and Fred.

Kristen Panzer

July 1, 2013

Dear Jill, I am so very sorry for your loss. Old friend, you give honor to your mother and father's memory every day by being the wonderful, gentle, kind, beautiful woman you are. I love you and I'm sorry for your sadness.

John Magisano

July 1, 2013

My deepest condolences on your loss. I only met her once, but she was a formidable presence. Much love to my dear friend Jill.

David Mahl

July 1, 2013

So glad I had the opportunity to get to know you over the years. You were a great woman and a true New Yorker.

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