Dr. Sylvia Forman

The family of Sylvia Cele Forman is saddened to announce her passing on September 7, 2022 at 82 years of age. Sylvia was born on December 29, 1939 in Providence, Rhode Island. She was the middle child of Rachel and Nathan Rakatansky and attended Hope High School and Smith College, receiving a BA in Music in 1962. She married Edwin Forman in 1961 and had three children, Joel, Daniel, and Lisa. Sylvia and Edwin spent three memorable years in England while Edwin served as a pediatrician in the U.S. Air Force. Eventually, the family moved back to Providence, Rhode Island where the children were raised. Sylvia studied clinical social work and received an MSW from Boston University and then went on to receive a Ph.D. in psychiatric social work from Smith College. She later completed psychoanalytic training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute. Sylvia was a dedicated and effective social worker and therapist who devoted decades to serving children, families and individuals. Her work was informed by a deep commitment to social justice. Sylvia was also an accomplished artist and musician with many varied interests, but none greater than her devotion to her children, husband, and family. Sylvia had a close-knit circle of friends and her companionship and devotion was cherished by many. She will be remembered for her youthful spirit, remarkable intelligence, and love of beauty, art, and music and will be profoundly missed by her family and loved ones. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents and her son Daniel Forman. She is survived by her devoted and beloved husband of 61 years, Edwin, of Manhattan, NY, and children: Joel of Queens, NY and his wife Dora Galacatos, and Lisa, Manhattan, NY and her husband Dan Prezant; her beloved grandchildren: Clio and Lenna Forman and Ray and Jacob Prezant; sister Francee Dunnan and brother-in-law Gardner Dunnan; brother Herbert Rakatansky and sister-in-law Barbara Sokoloff; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or to another Alzheimer’s charity of the donor’s choice. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, starting at 2:30pm at Swan Point Cemetery (585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence RI 02906) in the Chapel.