I am 72 years of age, and had Estell as my kindergarten teacher 67 years ago at the West Nyack library, which was then the elementary school. She was very instrumental in my liking my first school experience. I believe it was either her first or second class of her career. I was fortunate enough to have Estell visit our jewelry store, Anthony, Robert Jewelers for many years. She was always the nicest and kindest person anyone could ever be. She will be always in my heart.

Miss Silberman truly broke the mold with her intrinsic understanding of how to promote community and support the well-being of children. I think of her every morning. I think of how professional and beautifully dressed she came to school, with not a single hair out of place. I think of the first grade chairs that perfectly suit our short statures. I think of the fears she unanimously quelled with the announcement of, “There’s no need to fear, Ms. Silberman is here!”

From the moment I walked into her classroom, 30 years ago to the present, I can attest to the fact that she did everything in her power to better the lives of students, going far above and beyond the expectations of a teacher. From the Program Reader to the chipboard, from the kindness and dedication and love of her profession and students, she left a lasting impression on every child and parent she encountered at West Nyack Elementary.

Miss Silberman taught me what really matters when it comes to working professionally with children--building relationships. As a fellow teacher, but inspired by her work, her name has been consistently mentioned in every one of my job interviews. I express how she took me under her wing as an elementary school student and held me close to help develop my skill set. She made me believe that my work was somehow special, and gave me the confidence to lift myself out of waiting tables, to teaching Title, to charter, to first grade at the public school of my dreams.

She is truly a rare individual, whose primary existence has been to teach the beginning basics of schooling and how to get along with each other, but also how to be civically engaged members of society. Without question, Estelle was a valuable inspiration to me and the West Nyack community. I am so proud to have been one of her students and I continue to attempt to exude the same level of passion and carry out her legacy in my own adult professional life.

Hugs and love to all,
Alyson Cook (Harris)

What can I say about "Miss Silberman" that hasn't already been said. The best teacher there ever was! Such an amazing, wonderful, kind and caring person, devoted and loving to all of her students. When I think of W. Nyack Elementary, she is the first thing that comes to mind.
The school, the community, and every kid that went that school were truly blessed to have her.
God must have needed an amazing teacher in Heaven. She definitely left her mark. Prayers and condolences to her family.❤❤😢

Estelle Silberman was a wonderful, warm, caring and beautiful person. She did so much for the “children” in her care at West Nyack Elementary School. She never forgot her children.  I was one of the lucky PTA parents who saw and knew how much she did for each of the children that were lucky to have Estelle in their lives.
She was a true blessing to all who got to know her.  Thank you to Estelle for her many years of devotion to West Nyack Elementary School, her children, their parents and families.  💖 

My son Nelson hugging Estelle as he received the Estelle Silberman Scholarship through the West Nyack PTA. I still have the video of her speech and his acceptance speech. She was a wonderful person and we are better off in having known her. She was so loving and generous. I will get another plant from Costco this Mother’s Day in her honor. I still have your cell phone number in my phone Estelle. You will be missed. 

We are so sorry to hear about Estelle's passing.  I so enjoyed her visits, from the time I can remember.  She always made us feel special - intently listening to what was going on in our lives, bringing little gifts when we were young from her adventures, sharing stories.  We so enjoyed our time with Aunt Molly, Uncle Abe and Estelle, and am so thankful to have had them in our lives.  Our family tradition of 7 fish on Christmas Eve was enriched by having bagels and lox with our meal, still to this day.  It's in those small traditions, that reminds us of the special people in our lives and thinking of them brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.  While their physical presence is no longer with us, their memory and presence will always be in our hearts.     
 
Sending our love and condolences,  
Joanne, Paul, Michael, Andrew and Dana

OBITUARY

Estelle Silberman

February 25, 1937 – May 5, 2023

Hellman Memorial Chapels

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