Sydelle Aspis

My Mom was an amazing loving mother, accomplished woman and beloved teacher. Of her many gifts, the gift my brother Steve and I cherished most of all was her ability to joyfully provide us with a childhood filled with laughter, love and learning.

My Mom and Dad shared over 61years of a wonderful marriage marked by joy, partnership, passion and seemingly limitless time for family.

Her granddaughter, Michelle, brought her such joy. When she arrived from NYC to meet two day old Michelle in Seal Beach, it was love at first sight. She didn’t miss a school play or graduation, and kvelled at all of Michelle’s performances from the lighthearted to the corporate business accomplishments. My Mom created amazing birthday parties for Michelle from carnivals in our yard to storytelling while enjoying Katella deli feasts.

Several years ago, at the Sundance Film Festival, I was walking with my required name tag over my ski coat. One of the participating directors stopped me recognizing my last name. Immediately, I assumed he knew my brother Steve, a screen writer and director. No, he responded “Are you related to Sydelle Aspis?”. I explained she was my Mom. Now a man in his early 40s he gleefully exclaimed “Mrs. Aspis was my 1st grade teacher, she has always been my favorite. He grabbed a pen and composed a note on the top of a parked car. Thanking her for the influence in his early life, and comically noting that his penmanship had not really improved. That note meant the world to my Mom. She was passionate about sharing her love of learning with her students.

The profound weight of my grief limits any more words at this time.

Mom, I love you and will miss seeing your smile every day.

Steve and Dad are waiting to walk you home.