Sylvia Lederman (nee Melnick) of Chicago, Illinois (formerly of Franklin Square, New York) died on February 12 at the age of 105. Sylvia was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1914. A graduate of The Juilliard School in 1933, she was a gifted pianist and beloved piano teacher who continued to instruct students well into her 90s. She married Abraham Lederman in 1935 and they enjoyed 71 wonderful years of marriage before his death. They were quintessential New Yorkers, where they raised three daughters, enjoyed being with extended family and so many close friends, and attended countless concerts including many that they performed in and hosted at their Long Island home.
Sylvia’s self-proclaimed secret to longevity was to spend time with family and to eat coffee ice cream every day. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and whether it was during a short visit or a momentous celebration, she always sought to keep the party going. She truly lived her life to the fullest and she touched the lives of everyone she met with her radiant smile, unwavering positivity, generosity, kindness, playful sense of humor, and unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and special.
In addition to her husband Abraham, Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents Lena and Barnett, and her sisters Leona (Rubinstein) and Marilyn (Neuwirth). Sylvia was the devoted mother of Judith Landau (the late Stuart), Marcia Riley (Edwin) and Rhoda Gena (Peter), proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren, adored great-grandmother of 11 great-grandchildren, and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was the rock of her family and she will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Sylvia’s family is incredibly grateful for Sylvia’s loving and devoted caretakers Cristela and Sofia, as well as the kind, hardworking staff at Buckingham Pavilion in Chicago who cared for her over the last 5 years.
Donations may be made in Sylvia’s memory to: The Juilliard School Scholarship Fund,
https://giving.juilliard.edu/scholarship?_ga=2.118264586.2012064908.1582295935-1904668060.1582295935 or American Civil Liberties Union,
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