Sylvia Ross

Sylvia Sarah Ross, 91, died in the early morning of March 12, 2016 at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care, following two years of health challenges she fought steadfastly. She leaves behind her husband Sidney Ross; her son David Ross and daughter-in-law Marta; granddaughter Katja; her sister Rhoda Sklar; and a good number of 1st and 2nd cousins, nieces, nephew & friends. Sylvia was born & raised in Boston, Massachusetts to George & Beatrice Libertow, immigrants from Minsk, Bellarus. In Boston, Sylvia attended girls' Latin school as a straight-A student, and later graduated from Boston College. She joined the Marine Corps in 1945, assigned to the secretarial pool supporting military brass, and was discharged as a Corporal in June 1946. In Boston, she met & married Sidney Ross, and they soon moved to Houston, Texas, where she lived for the duration of her long life. Sylvia enjoyed working for many years as Secretary for the History Department Chairman at Rice University. She loved interacting with aspiring graduate students, inviting those stranded without family to join her family gathering at Thanksgiving. Her 10 fingers typed - very quickly - the dissertations of many a Rice grad, back in the days before word processers and computers. After retirement, she & Sid traveled across the country, visiting David & family in San Francisco and other relatives on both coasts. She got great pleasure from "Cousins' Club" gatherings held annually for many years. The cousins had so much fun, their room was raided in Las Vegas by hotel security, who was astounded to see a dozen octogenarians making such a racket with stories & laughter. Sylvia was a lifelong lover of reading, often knocking out an entire book in one or two nights, even at age 90. For many years she volunteered for Taping for the Blind, where she read books and articles over the radio for sight-impaired listeners. She also loved classical music, and she and Sid were Houston Symphony season ticket holders for decades, once even invited to dine with the conductor at a private dinner. David & Marta carry on the symphony-going tradition today. Sylvia was clear headed and razor sharp until almost the end - indeed her mind was truly something to behold - but was devastated when her sister Rhoda was diagnosed with Alzheimers several years back. She contributed regularly to Alzheimer research charities, and following that lead, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation.

Sylvia Ross

February 9, 1925 - March 12, 2016