Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1944 - 2020

BORN

1944

DIED

2020

SYDRA SCHNIPPER Obituary

SCHNIPPER, Sydra Educator, Community Leader. Mother and Grandmother Sydra Schnipper, age 75, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, June 26, 2020. Born in East New York, Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Leo and Deborah Storch. Sydra grew up in Queens, New York, where she graduated from Forest Hills High School and Queens College, part of the City College of New York system. She later earned a Master's degree in Education from Cambridge College. Sydra moved to Newton, Massachusetts in 1974, where she resided and spent the final forty-six years of her life. Sydra dedicated her working life to public service and to children. She spent more than thirty years as a high school mathematics teacher, beginning at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn and spending the great majority of her career at Brookline High School, where she retired as chair of the math department. Sydra touched innumerable young lives and maintained connections with many of her students over her over 50 years of teaching. Even after her retirement she continued to teach, privately tutoring hundreds of Newton and Brookline students in math. Sydra was also an elected official of the City of Newton for twenty-four years, spending eight years as a member of the Newton School Committee, which she chaired, and sixteen as an Alderman representing Ward 7, including time spent as chair of the Public Works and Facilities Committee. Among her proudest achievements as an elected official were the introduction of comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education for Newton high schoolers, which she led as the Chair of the School Committee, and the funding and construction of the new Newton North High School building, which she led as an Alderman. Sydra lived at the center of a large, busy family and was a devoted mother and grandmother from 1970 until the day she died. She presided over numerous happy celebrations and family events in her warm and loving kitchen. Her welcoming personality drew many friends to her Ward Street home. In her final hours, she was still taking care of her loving family as they surrounded her to say goodbye. She loved fiercely and with unbridled devotion, which will remain her most enduring family legacy. Sydra is survived by her three children: Merritt Schnipper, Deborah Schnipper, and Claudia Hochberg; their spouses: Kristen Fehrenbach, Peter Espo, and Ephraim Hochberg; five grandchildren: Leo Schnipper, Olivia Hochberg, Henry Hochberg, Eloise Hochberg, and Rylan Espo; in-laws, extended relations, and friends too numerous to name. In deference to COVID-19, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Sydra's memory may be made to Save the Children and/or UNICEF, two charities she supported throughout her life.

View the online memorial for Sydra SCHNIPPER

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for SYDRA SCHNIPPER

15 Entries

Jane Siegel (niece of Bea Terk)

December 11, 2023

While thinking back to high school sorority days today, Sydra came to mind. When I found her on google, I learned that she had sadly passed. In teen years her family were neighbors of my aunt's, and though we really didn't know each other, she so graciously brought me into her sorority. Though I hadn't seen her since, her warmth and grace I recall from that kindness way back then seem to have stayed with her throughout her life. I also recognized her gentle smile in the photo online. My condolences to all her family.

Robert Gerenstein

October 11, 2023

Randomly decided to look up Ms. Schnippers name after finding something from high school. She was my teacher at Canarsie High School. I have never forgotten her. She was an inspiration.
My condolences to her family.
Robert Gerenstein, class of `67.

Irina Zilberman

September 2, 2020

So sorry to hear the news.
For the past few years, Sydra was our son’s Daniel math tutor. She was an extraordinary teacher ( the best math teacher I’ve ever met).
Daniel is very lucky to have been one of her last students. His view of math and studying changed since he met Sydra.
We will remember her.

July 7, 2020

So very sorry to hear this news. Sydra was such a help, and an inspiration as a math tutor for many of our children, who have grown and thrived and even come to love math! I appreciated her caring, firm and encouraging approach.
She will be missed. Miranda Mancusi

Gail Stein

July 6, 2020

I am so sorry to hears of your Mom's death. I remember her so fondly both as a teacher at BHS who championed kids who needed support, a caring mother and an outspoken advocate for good in Newton. Jim Marini and I talked about her last week and about all the help she was to the Newton Public Schools. My thoughts are with you.
Gail Stein

Susan Moreno

July 5, 2020

Im so sorry to hear of Sydras passing. I remember her fondly as a colleague at BHS. My thoughts are with all of you.

Wanda Bender

July 3, 2020

Dear Claudia and family,
Walter and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother and your children's grandmother. How difficult it must be to have lost her, especially during this time.

Sydra was always a wise and thoughtful advocate for the City of Newton. Her passionate voice was one we listened to throughout her tenures in both the school committee and and as an alderwoman. The city was fortunate to have her leadership in both offices.

May the memories of better times comfort you in the days ahead.

xo

Susan Stark

July 2, 2020

Dear family and friends of Sydra,

I am so sad to learn this news. I have many fond memories working with Sydra for years at Brookline High School. I remember Sydra as working tirelessly to provide excellent learning experiences for all math students as a teacher and head of the Math Department.

I hope your memories of Sydra help you through this most difficult time.

July 2, 2020

i am saddened by the death of dear Sydra. We have had so many wonderful times together at BHS and in our community. My deepest condolences to Claudia, Debra and Merritt. She will be missed by so many.
Susan Dechter

Danielle Rabina

July 1, 2020

I remember Sydra so fondly as a colleague and math department chair at BHS. She was the caretaker of both students and teachers and would fight for whatever she believed was right. We always knew she would be in our corner. I felt like she was a leader and mama bear of the BHS math department. I will miss her dearly.

Paul Epstein

July 1, 2020

Along with so many of her Brookline High School colleagues, I will miss Sydra. She was a wonderful teacher and leader at BHS. The quintessential caring and dedicated educator. Condolences to her family from her BHS family.

tessa gordon

July 1, 2020

I was shocked to learn of the passing of my good friend.
We worked in local elections together- the first on in the mid nineties- and although we didn't see each other ofeten we stayed in touch over the years.
Sydra was a person of enormous compassion and integrity, a loyal and much valued friend.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
I will hold her memory in my heart always
Tessa Gordon

Ginny Gardner

July 1, 2020

Alderwoman
SCHNIPPER, was always available to hear concerns. She was helpful and respectful of every issue. Her help and kindness was much appreciated. The Nightcap Corner Neighborhood Association. Ginny Gardner

Sally Rizzo

July 1, 2020

As a former colleague of Sydra on the school committee I am sadden by her passing. She had enormous compassion and integrity. I respected her enormously.

Lorraine Butler

July 1, 2020

I don't know you I'm so sorry to hear about your mother;s passing she is now resting in peace may god be with you and your family you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with her

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results