Cydney Jo Yerushalmi

August 5, 1938 – April 23, 2026

Cydney Jo Yerushalmi died peacefully on April 23, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on August 5, 1938, in the Bronx, she was raised in Roslyn, New York, where she began a lifelong journey marked by intellect, creativity, and fierce devotion to those she loved.

Cydney pursued her early passion for the arts by studying Theatre and Costume Design at Mount Holyoke College. She later earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Northeastern University in Boston. Her academic path ultimately led her to earn a doctorate in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. She devoted over 30 years to her work as a psychologist and was known professionally as “Dr. Y,” a moniker that followed her throughout her life and reflected both her professional stature and her unforgettable presence.

Widely admired for her dry sense of humor, flair for the dramatic, and no nonsense attitude, Cydney was a loving mother, a fiercely loyal friend, and a lifelong fighter for social justice. She brought passion, honesty, and heart to everything she did, and her influence was felt deeply by all who knew her.

Cydney was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Helen Guran z’’l; and is survived by her children, Benjamin Yerushalmi (Debbie Ng), Elana Kamenir (Steven), and Gili Freeman; her sister, Marjorie Rosensweig (Charles z’’l); her grandchildren Hannah and Maya Kamenir, Jordan Yerushalmi, Ari Yerushalmi, Leah Griffis, and Nathan and Naomi Freeman; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Her memory will be a blessing to all who loved her.

She will be laid to rest on April 26, 2026 at Garden of

Remembrance, Clarksburg, MD. Contributions in her honor can be made to the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, www.nationalcasagal.org or the charity of your choice.