Sylvia Phillips Regelson

1926 - 2022

REGELSON, Sylvia Phillips, The family of Sylvia Regelson announce her passing with deep sadness and celebrate her amazing life of 95 years with profound joy. Sylvia was born in Harlem, New York in 1926 to Gussie and Sam Phillips, immigrants from Eastern Europe. Her first language was Yiddish, but she quickly became an eloquent communicator in English and maintained a passion for reading throughout her life. In high school, Sylvia received an award for French excellence from the actor Charles Boyer. She went on to major in French with a minor in Fine Arts at Hunter College.

She applied her abundant enthusiasm for life and her astonishing intelligence to everything she did, including becoming a noted expert in the fields of American art pottery, African art and vintage postcards. Sylvia worked to the end of her life and always said, "There are two dirty words: retirement and boredom." She was an ardent advocate for the Richmond public schools and a keen participant in politics - global and local - and a defender of justice.

Sylvia and her husband, Bill Regelson, a respected physician and scientist, who died in 2002, raised a family of six children in Buffalo and Richmond. She is survived by her loving kids, Rachel (Larry), Jess (Doug), Mimi (Tsondu), Esther (Jack), Naomi (Mark) and Isaac (Sarah); plus adoring French daughter, Dominique; and local cousin Jeffie (Terri); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many loving cousins, devoted friends and her wonderful Antique Village family. Sylvia created a welcoming home where all were recognized and loved for their unique character. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice that would have brought joy to Sylvia, buy yourself something that would give you a "flutter of the heart" or simply "love something without owning it." Mom loved a good obit and we hope we have done her proud.

Online condolences may be made at www.blileys.com.