Sylvia Falk Epstein

Madison - Sylvia Epstein, age 96, died peacefully on Mother's Day, May 8, 2011 at her daughter's home after a brief illness.
Sylvia was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 11, 1914 the daughter of Abraham and Rose Falk. After graduating from high school she attended Creighton University in Omaha. On a visit to Madison she met her future husband, Jack Epstein. They were married in 1943 and after World War II they settled in Baraboo, WI where they owned a clothing business. Sylvia was very active in the Baraboo community and the Baraboo Country Club. She loved to play bridge and golf, enjoyed hosting bridge luncheons, cocktail, and dinner parties. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Devil's Lake boating and relaxing with friends and relatives.
Jack and Sylvia moved to Madison in 1991, and after her husband's death she continued to travel the world, attend cultural events, play bridge, and be active in the Jewish community. She was a member of Temple Beth El, and was proud of that membership dating back to 1943. A traditional and gracious woman, her greatest pleasure was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Sylvia was very much a lady, and will be remembered for her beautiful smile. She had a rich and full life, and has left her family with many memories as well as her wisdom from her long life.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Martin Falk; her sister, Bernice Mittleman; and her son-in-law, Mark Bergman. She is survived by her daughter, Ronee Bergman of Madison; her son, Dr. A. James Epstein of Boston, Mass.; and her granddaughter, Alisa Bergman of Chicago, Ill. She is further survived by her sister, Ruth Sinton of Houston, Texas; nieces and a nephew; as well as great nieces, nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to her friends at Old Sauk Gardens Apartments, Attic Angels, and in the community for their cards, flowers, and support during her illness.
Services will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 1 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME. 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials in Sylvia's name may be gifted to the Madison Public Library, Temple Beth El, or Jewish Social Services.

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. - Jewish proverb