Sylvia Wilk

You may have known her as Sylvia, Bubbe, Mom, Aunt Sylvia or Mrs. Wilk. Either way, if you knew her you loved her. Born November 4, 1927, to Mary and Leo Leavitt in Chicago, Ill. Passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024. The eldest daughter of 4 and first generation American, Sylvia had a loving childhood. She had a group of friends who called themselves The Eight Jolly Juniors and these friendships lasted the rest of their lives, many times traveling together when they were grandparents. Sylvia graduated from Farragut High School and attended Herzl Junior College where she was on the basketball team.

She was an executive secretary at Goldblatt’s Department Store, winning contests for her shorthand. Ever the dutiful daughter, she agreed to go to a party at her mother’s request to meet a young man who took the train up from Texas to buy a Studebaker. Two weeks and one date later, she was engaged to the handsome Texan and a few months later in July 1948, began her married life in San Antonio.

Sylvia became the ultimate housewife and mother. She and Joe joined the Young Couples Club at Congregation Agudas Achim where they made lifelong friends. While she did not work professionally out of the house, Sylvia kept busy with running the household, volunteering and doing her arts & crafts. Many households today still have bar/bat mitzvah invitations that were decoupaged by Aunt Sylvia. She called the kitchen her office and if you were lucky enough to enjoy her mandlebrodt or apple cake, you knew why. Sylvia was a member of ORT, Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood and a Life Member of Hadassah. She was in charge of the volunteers at Golden Manor Home for the Jewish Aged for 38 years and it was fitting that she ended her days at the same facility, now called Golden Estates.

Sylvia and Joe’s life included 3 kids, many grandkids, 5 great-grandkids, travel to their favorite Port Aransas, travel to Israel twice, square dancing, working out and many hands of gin games. They spent many evenings at their very favorite place, Turtle Creek Country Club, working out and being with friends. They loved being Mommy and Daddy but nothing compared to being Bubbe and Zayde.

After Joe’s passing in 2009, Sylvia continued her volunteering at St. Luke’s hospital and was there for 11 years, many days spent running the ICU waiting room. She also enjoyed going to her line dancing classes and could be found working out at Gold’s Gym!

Sylvia was predeceased by husband, Joe Wilk, parents Mary and Leo Leavitt, Brother Marvin Leavitt, son-in-law, Lanny Cooper, and many brothers and sisters-in-law. She leaves behind children: Andy and Leigh Wilk, Sheri and Brad Barenblat, Sheila and Michael Rosenberg. Grandchildren: Melinda and Sebastian Grunewald, Evan and Lauren Wilk, Elaine and Eric Alterman, Becca Barenblat, Elliott and Hana Cooper, Louis Cooper, Naomi Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenberg and Ronen Rosenberg. Great grandchildren: Patrick Grunewald, Sterling Grunewald, Holden Wilk, Hannah Wilk and Lior Alterman. Sister and brother-in-law, Judy & Jerry Lubell, brother and sister-in-law, Terry & Reva Leavitt, sister-in-law, Bonnie Leavitt. She also leaves behind many many friends, nieces and nephews.

We want to thank the staff at Golden Estates Healthcare and Crest Hospice for their compassionate care.

GRAVESIDE SERVICESUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 20241:00 P.M.AGUDAS ACHIM MEMORIAL GARDENS1727 AUSTIN HWY

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Kiddush Luncheon Fund at Congregation Agudas Achim, San Antonio, TX or charity of your choice.