Sylvia M. Zigun Ph.D.

Sylvia M. Zigun, PhD
July 28, 1934 - January 10, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sylvia (Moscovitz) Zigun, PhD on January 10, 2025. She was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, psychotherapist, and health educator. She was born on July 28, 1934 in New York City, the daughter of David J. and Anna (Felenstein) Moscovitz and the sister of Rhoda (Moscovitz) Powsner.
Sylvia was a dedicated scholar, earning her Bachelor's degree Magna Cum Laude from Brown University in 1954. She was elected to both Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honor societies. She earned a Master's degree in nursing from Yale University in 1957. She married Charles Zigun, MD and raised two sons, Jeffrey and Benjamin, and later returned to the academic world, pursuing a Master of Science degree at the University of Bridgeport in 1980 and completing her Doctorate in Philosophy in Health Psychology at the Union Institute in 1989.
A thoughtful and compassionate psychotherapist, Dr. Zigun was known as a remarkably attentive and insightful listener, who helped patients with skills that ranged from learning to take care of newborn babies to becoming more mindful of nutrition and weight loss. Her contributions to the fields of mental health and wellness extended beyond her practice. She served as Chairman of Nursing Services for the Southeastern Fairfield Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1974 to 1976. She was recognized as a noteworthy psychotherapist and health educator, earning an entry in Marquis Who's Who. She was an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Nursing Association, the International Academy of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, the New York Academy of Sciences, the Connecticut Nurses Association, Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi.
Friends and family remember her passion for reading non-fiction on a diverse range of topics, spirited card games of "Spite and Malice," and her hands-on approach to motherhood. Sylvia enjoyed serving as a co-leader for Great Books at Stratfield (Elementary) School. She enjoyed flying kites and exploring rock gardens with her children when they were young. She became a licensed Ham Radio Operator with call sign, KA1HTH, when Ben was older. She enjoyed long talks and walks with friends and family at Fairfield's "Cardiac Mile" and Sasco Hill Beach.
She had a lifelong passion for contributing to Judaism and the Jewish Community, including years devoted to being Vice President of Congregation Rodeph Sholom's Synagogue and serving as President of its Sisterhood. She had a memorable Bat Mitzvah at the age of 73, reading from the Torah and giving her own interpretation of the passage that she read.
Sylvia was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Charles Zigun, MD, and she is survived by her two sons, Benjamin J. Zigun, MD, JD, MBA (Jennifer), Jeffrey R. Zigun, MD (Suzanne), grandchildren Noah, Abigail, Akiva, Dovid, Miriam, Eliezer and Shimon, and by eleven great-grandchildren.