Sylvia Perry

May 17, 1919 - September 26, 2016

Keizer - Sylvia Perry, passed away peacefully in her home in Keizer, OR on September 26, 2016 at age 97 from natural causes.

Born in New York City, in 1919, daughter of Mark and Dora Haykin, Sylvia graduated from Columbia University with two Masters Degrees in Music Education and Special Education. She also studied piano at Juliard School of Music with renowned piano instructor Joseph Levin. Sylvia, along with her late husband, Mack, founded Peripole, Inc., the first company in the United States to manufacture musical instruments for Elementary Music Education. Sylvia first resided in New York, later in New Jersey, and finally in Keizer, Oregon, where she joined in business partnership with her son, Dr. Andrew Perry.

Sylvia received numerous awards for her contribution to music education from many state organizations including those in Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. She was also recognized nationally by the American Orff Schulwerk Association, of whom she was a pioneer and charter member. She was also a lifetime member of the National Association for Music Education. She was a devout Jew and a member of Temple Beth Sholom in Salem.

Although Sylvia trained as a concert pianist, she chose instead to pursue her career as company founder and Director of Peripole, Inc. in order to realize her dream of bringing music to children across America, a goal in which she succeeded very well.

Sylvia is survived by her four sons, Richard, Roger, Fred and Andrew and by numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service for Sylvia will be held at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm.

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

Published by The Statesman Journal on Sep. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Perry

Sponsored by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

13 Entries

Stephen Gold

November 11, 2016

I remember Sylvia as a child growing up in Brooklyn.Sylvia was the most fashionable woman of that era wearing suits and wearing COTY hats .She was the Milinary Queen of Brooklyn.Seven years ago I had the blessing of being reconnected with my child hood friend Richard Perry Sylvia's oldest son.Richard called Mom (Sylvia)
put me on the phone at which time Sylvia invited me to her 90th birthday party in Salem Oregon.It was one of the most inspiring and spiritual weekends of my life.Since both of my parents are deceased Sylvia said she was my surrogate mother.Because Sylvia was there when my mothers water broke and was there when I was born.After 50 yrs To RICHARDS and my amazement she remembered my birthday May 20 just three days after hers.
INTELLIGENT CARING GIVING SUCCESSFUL(One of the first female CEOs in American business ) ONE OF A KIND
Some of the words that describe this beautiful woman who we have been blessed to have in our lives.
Sylvia Thanks For Being In Mine.

Carol Huffman

October 1, 2016

Sylvia will be greatly missed. She always had a smile on her face and a big heart to go along with it. She was always giving to AOSA and wanted nothing more than to be remembered for her love of music and friendship. Condolences to the family and industry. Carol Huffman

David DeStefano

October 1, 2016

Saddened by this news. Know that my thoughts are with Andrew and family. Sylvia was a lovely woman and I will treasure my memory of her.

Jenny Erickson

September 30, 2016

My condolences to Andrew and the Peripole family.

September 30, 2016

Thinking of you, Andrew, your family, and the Peripole family. Sylvia did so much for so many. God bless you and comfort you through this sad time. Hugs. Judy Beale

Barbara Williams

September 30, 2016

Andrew, I as so sorry for your loss - my deepest condolences. I feel grateful to have known your mom and heard so many of her amazing stories - she was an incredible woman.

Leah Morrow Serwon

September 30, 2016

She was an amazing lady. My sympathy to her family. I'm sure you have wonderful memories.

Rudy Gonzalez

September 30, 2016

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Perry family on the passing of the most wonderful lady I ever met. Sylvia was a breath of fresh air. Her enthusiasm was contagious. I will never forget her. She will live in my mind and my heart. From Rudy and Shari Gonzalez

Mari Schay

September 29, 2016

Sylvia made such a tremendous difference to music education in Oregon and well beyond. Her contributions will keep her in our memories for many years to come. Condolences to Andrew and the family.

Neal Tipton

September 29, 2016

To Andrew and all the others of the Peripole family, my sincere condolences at this time. Sylvia was a great mentor and sponsor, but above all a dear friend. Thanks for over 30 years of great memories.

Lisa Rogers

September 29, 2016

Andrew and family as well as the Peripole family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sylvia was quite a special lady. Blessings, Lisa Rogers

Debra Shrader

September 29, 2016

So sorry for the loss of a great woman. We in the AOSA community remember her with fondness and are thankful she lived a long life.

Raylene James

September 28, 2016

Sylvia was such a wonderful lady. Very thoughtful and dedicated. I always enjoyed listening to her stories of life. She will be missed.

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