Like a Good Neighbor, Mrs. Ivry Was Always There

By Mendy Pellin

Mrs. Sylvia Ivry OBM was my neighbor. And like a good neighbor, Sylvia was always there. Her positive energy was contagious. She had an energy that could melt any problem, big or small; An energy (with a little help from instant coffee) that watched over so many people that entered her life.

Energy is the Neshama. Which means she is a very special soul!

As a child, she would drive me every Motzoei Shabbos to buy a lottery ticket. During the drive, her optimism would lead me to believe we had already won. And we had big plans for after we cashed in our winning ticket. Every week.

In reality, having Sylvia in my life was like winning the lottery. She was more than a neighbor. She was a best friend. She was there during my hardest struggles and a cheerleader for any successes – big or small. She always saw the best in me. And eventually, my wife and children – who loved “Savta Sylvia.”

I use myself as an example for many other people in our community that she brought so much light to. She didn’t make grand or loud gestures. She just helped when she saw a need. And encouraged so many people to live their fullest.

She opened her house to countless guests – especially from France and Israel. She helped Bikur Cholim, Lubavitch Women’s organizations and many others. She often visited nursing homes to cheer up the elderly (some “elderly” were younger than her.)

But most of all, she loved bringing simcha, joy!

I remember many Melavei Malka’s she hosted in her home with the likes of Yitzchak Bitton and Rabbi Yitzi Horowitz who would dance and play music till late at night. She was always involved, pushing people to keep going and dance. Her energy!

During her struggles in the last few months, she wasn’t comfortable having people help her. She was only comfortable giving.

This past week, Crown Heights lost a special neighbor.

But I’m comforted knowing that her Neshama is still here cheering us on to live with joy. Sylvia will always be here.