Community activist Sylvia E. Zellin (nee Goldberg) of Mequon died Sept. 17 of cancer.
She was born in Milwaukee to Russian immigrants. After graduation from Washington High School, she worked as a stenographer at Unity Dye Works in 1933 and co-owned Eastside Foods from 1937-47 with her husband, Arnold B. Zellin.
Active in many organizations, she was president of Shorewood B’nai B’rith and Milwaukee Council B’nai B’rith, and served on its district board of directors. She was the recipient of many of its awards, including the President’s Pin, Medal of Honor and Medal for Council President.
Further, she was a member of Milwaukee Hadassah and of the auxiliary of the Home for Aged Jews, now the Jewish Home and Care Center; recording secretary of Women’s American ORT; a supporter of the Jewish National Fund; and a Brownie Scout leader.
She also received certificates and awards from the American Red Cross, Mothers March of Dimes and the Multiple Dystrophy Association. She was listed in Who’s Who in Wisconsin in 1960.
A member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, she was active in its Sisterhood and served as president of its bowling league. Her special interests included photography, cooking and baking.
“She was truly one special lady. She faced many major life adjustments with grace, style and tremendous gumption,” said her daughter Donna (Alan) Cole. “She has left us all a legacy of how to live life, that age is merely a state of mind and to always live life to the fullest and face problems head on.”
She is further survived by daughter Rochelle (Fred) Gutmann; sisters Marion Seiden and Judy Weiss; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 1989.
Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated at the funeral on Sept. 20. Burial was in Second Home Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorials to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun or the American Cancer Society.
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