Sylvia L. Ohrwashel

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sylvia’s roots were grounded in family, tradition, and the enduring spirit of her hometown. A proud Brooklynite, she cherished the days at Ebbets Field, cheering for the Brooklyn Dodgers. She often recalled with joy the golden afternoons spent watching her favorite team, a passion she carried throughout her life—her Brooklyn Dodgers cap always a reminder of a time and place that held her heart.

Sylvia pursued her education at P.S. 152, Midwood High School, and Brooklyn College before beginning studies in Occupational Therapy at NYU. When her mother fell ill, Sylvia’s path shifted as she devoted herself to caring for her family. During that time, she found part-time work in a neighborhood dental office and discovered a profession she loved. She went on to study Dental Hygiene at NYCCC and built a remarkable career in practice for forty-three years. She cherished her work, but her true calling was in teaching and nurturing others. Whether in the dental chair, in the classroom, or at the synagogue, she gave knowledge and encouragement.

Faith and community were cornerstones of Sylvia’s life. From her earliest years, she and her brothers were educated at Congregation B’nai Jacob, where her parents were active leaders. In 1969, Sylvia and her family moved to Marlboro, New Jersey, when the area was still mostly farmland. Almost immediately, she helped plant the seeds of what would become a thriving Jewish community. As a charter member of the Marlboro Jewish Center, she played a vital role in shaping its future. She was the first principal of the Hebrew School, later serving as a teacher in both the school and Hebrew High, guiding generations of Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. Sylvia also served in many leadership positions: President of Sisterhood, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President of Religious Affairs, and longtime member of the Board of Trustees for over 20 years.

Her love for Israel was deep and unwavering, and her work within the congregation’s Israel Affairs Committee reflected her lifelong passion for strengthening Jewish identity and connection. Sylvia also dedicated herself to guiding generations of B’nai Mitzvah students. Teaching children—and later the children of those same children—brought her immense joy and pride. For Sylvia, learning and teaching Torah was not about memorizing stories, but about uncovering fresh meaning week after week, always finding insight that felt new and profound.

Sylvia married and built a family rooted in love, raising three sons, Michael, Robert, and Andrew, who were always the pride of her life. She often said her happiest years were when her children were young, and her kiss could make everything better. Later, she became the mother-in-law to Monique and the delighted grandmother of four: Taylor, Kendall, Cameron, and Ryan, and loved getting to know their spouses, Kendall’s Sam and Cameron’s Jordan. Holidays, especially Passover, were treasured times for Sylvia, when she could retell the story of Exodus, reflect on her heritage, and create new beginnings with her family around the table.

In her quiet moments, Sylvia found peace in classical music, the rhythms of tradition, and memories of extraordinary experiences—like sharing cookies and milk with Golda Meir at David Ben-Gurion’s home in Tel Aviv, a moment she cherished as a gift of history and personal connection.

Sylvia’s legacy is profound: a mother, grandmother, teacher, community builder, and friend who left the world brighter than she found it. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but for the way she made people feel—valued, guided, and loved.

She is survived by her three sons, her four grandchildren, and the countless students, congregants, and friends whose lives she touched.

May her memory be a blessing, and may the lessons of her life continue to guide us all.

A funeral service for Sylvia will be held Monday, September 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Rd W, Marlboro Township, NJ 07746. Following the funeral service will be a burial at 2:00 PM at Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sylvia's memory may be made to Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro, New Jersey US, www.mjcnj.com.