Sylvia Gerstenzang Gilson

Sylvia Gerstenzang Gilson, 100, of Newton, entered into rest on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. She was the devoted wife of the late Milton Gilson, MD, with whom she had three children and shared 59 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2000. Born in New Bedford, Sylvia was a daughter of the late Samuel and Rebecca (Blume) Gerstenzang.

Those left to cherish Sylvia’s memory are her dedicated children, Andrew Gilson and his wife Julie of Brookline, and Joanne Gilson of Auburn, AL; her treasured grandchildren, Nathan Gilson and Rebecca Sturtevant, her stepgrandchildren, Erika Mizrahi, and David Sidman; many cherished great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; and her loving brother, Burton Gerstenzang of Delray Beach, FL. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Jean Gilson, and her sister, Pearl Markell.

Sylvia married Milton Gilson, then a naval flight surgeon, in December 1941, as the U.S. first became involved in World War II. Following the war, they settled and raised their family in Newton, where she assisted Milton with his private medical practice. Although she remained a proud resident of Newton Centre for most of her adult life, she and her family would often venture to their summer cottage in Maine, which brought her great happiness.

Due to the current public health crisis, a graveside service for Sylvia has been held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or via www.diabetes.org/donate.

Arrangements under the direction of Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, www.stanetskybrookline.com.