Sylvia Fenkell's Obituary
Sylvia Fenkell was born on December 12, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan. She is survived by her two sons, Louis (Heidi) Fenkell and David (Karen) Fenkell, and her daughter, Sherri (Walter) Lewitz;
three grandchildren, Matthew (Melissa) Lewitz, Sydney (Nathan) Buchbinder, and Max Fenkell. She leaves in her wake four great grandchildren, Sophia, Gabriel, Jacob, and Maddie; her sister, Barbara (Tom Donaldson) Stern; and many nieces and nephews. Sylvia is predeceased by her parents, George Abramsohn and Bess Rich, as well as her loving husband, Irving Fenkell, and beloved granddaughter, Mandi Fenkell.
Sylvia spent the first half of her life in the suburbs of Detroit where she resided until the 1970s when she and Irving became “snowbirds” and relocated to south Florida. She often jokingly, but lovingly, said that while Detroit was a “great place to be from,” she wouldn't have traded her life in Florida for anything, especially the many years she spent living at Boca West. Sylvia enjoyed and excelled at numerous hobbies throughout her lifetime including Mah Jongg, needlepointing, knitting, and her very favorite, playing Pan. She was known for her enthusiastic sense of fashion and an uncanny ability to “put herself together” par none. No one ever loved shopping more; no one did it better. She enjoyed an active social life and was an avid reader as well as an excellent cook (up until she reached her seventies and declared her kitchen “officially closed”). Sylvia loved to entertain, especially with her husband Irving by her side. It was often said that no one could throw a party quite like the Fenkell family. She and Irving traveled extensively and always made it a point to enjoy their lives to the fullest, never failing in their generosity to share that joy with family and friends.
Sylvia was a devoted wife for almost 50 years. She was a mother whose love was unconditional and unwavering. She had a way of ensuring her children felt both acknowledged and cherished for their own unique qualities; she responded to their differing needs with a sensitivity and love that knew no bounds. She similarly opened her heart to her two daughters-in-law and son-in-law when each of her three children married. Sylvia’s grandchildren referred to her as the “cool and fun” grandma and treasured the time they shared with her. She kept up with the changing times and made it a priority to remain a relevant and integral part of their lives.
Sylvia summed up her own life better than anyone. In her final few remaining years when her health began to decline and lifestyle changes were thrust upon her, she was often heard to say, “I have had a wonderful life. It was more than I ever thought it would be. I leave with no regrets.”
A cryptside service will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 12:15pm, at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Sylvia with a memorial contribution are kindly encouraged to consider a donation to St. Jude at:
www.stjude.org
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sylvia?
Share a story where Sylvia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvia you’ll never forget.
How did Sylvia make you smile?
