Sylvia W. Tower's Obituary
Dr. Sylvia W. Tower passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 23rd in North Berkeley. Sylvia had achieved the remarkable age of 90, having been born in 1928 in The Bronx, New York. Sylvia was the daughter of two Jewish immigrants. Her father Louis was from Russia and her mother Fay was from Austria. Sylvia completed her undergraduate education in Mexico City, having moved there shortly after the passing of both of her parents at an early age. She completed her Masters in Psychology in Louisville Kentucky and then completed further advanced studies in Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Sylvia met David C. Tower, her second husband, while she worked at the Palo Alto VA hospital. She and David opened the first Psychotherapy Clinic in Berkeley in the early 60’s, where they practiced together until 2010. As a therapist, Sylvia was a leader in her field…striving to help many with compassion, support and direction. As a wife, she loved David deeply. As a mother, she taught her children about the complex world in which we live, preparing them for the many challenges that life brings us. Sylvia, a 5 time Cancer Survivor, lived life with gusto. She loved the many facets of culture, from the culinary and performing arts to the visual arts. Sylvia is survived by her three children…Keith, Jonathan and Christopher; David’s three children from his first marriage…Larry, Marjorie and Carol; 6 grandchildren…Jacqueline, Tyler, Jenna, Ryan, Michael and Jessica; and, 5 great grandchildren…Christopher, Jillian, Miranda, Olivia and Evan. Sylvia survived the passing of her first son, Bradley. Sylvia is also survived by her life-long friend Diane Strong. Sylvia’s family and close friends will celebrate her life on Saturday June 2. We will laugh…we will cry…and we will rejoice in Sylvia and the fabulous life she had. Those wishing to make a donation in her memory should direct them to either The American Diabetes Association or The American Cancer Society. A viewing of Sylvia will be held this Saturday June 2nd from 2 to 5 PM at The Chapel of The Chimes at 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA Phone (510) 654-0123. At her request, there will be no services.
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