Sylvia Kantor

Sylvia Dale Gardiner Kantor

May 28, 1937 – December 30, 2025

Sylvia Dale Gardiner Kantor passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Frederick D. Gardiner and Frankie P. Johnson, Sylvia was a proud product of the Cambridge public school system. She graduated from Boston University and attended Lesley University.

A lifelong advocate for education and equality, Sylvia played a pivotal role in the founding of two alternative public schools in Cambridge-CAPS and the Cluster School-helping to create inclusive learning environments for generations of children. She also worked at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, where she continued to support students and teachers with compassion and grace.

Married in 1958 to Calvin Jerry Kantor, Sylvia devoted many years to raising her family and caring for children in her community. She was known for her sweet and kind nature and her love of reading. Black history, politics, biographies and comic strips were her favorites. She also loved going walks around Cambridge and Boston.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years Calvin J. Kantor Sr, sister Cynthia Jokinen and husband Peter. Her children: Ellen Jean-Louis her husband Charles, Calvin Jerry Kantor Jr his wife Ivelisse and Frederick Kantor and wife Evelyn. Her grandchildren: Julia, Stephen, Joanne, Jasmine, Calvin, Jose, India, Alexandra, Jai, Gregory, Christopher and Kareem Her great-grandchildren: Ivelisse, Jordan, Soleil, Noah, Leah, Khy, Jaida Brooklyn, and Samiya. Her nephews Gus and Fred and many beloved family and friends. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Stephen "Stevie" and her niece Frankie.

Sylvia lived by the words she shared so freely:

"Be kind to yourself." "Peace and Love." "Peace be with you." her legacy of kindness, love, and peace will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.