Sylvia Crowley

On Sunday morning, July 5th, 2020, Sylvia Crowley entered into the eternal presence of her beloved Hashem Elohim Adonai, God Almighty.  She was 88 years old.

Sylvia was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 11th, 1932 to Syrian immigrants Leon and Rachel (N'dibo) Hilu.  In her teenage years, her family relocated to Brooklyn, NY where they lived in the close-knit neighborhoods of Sephardi Jews who immigrated to America from Syria, Israel and Jordan.  She was a direct matriarchal descendant of the line of Kohen (Cohen - High Jewish Priests of the original tribe of Levi).

In her late twenties, Sylvia traveled upstate to the Catskill Mountains to take on summer work and eventually a permanent position at Grossinger's Hotel.  It was the peaceful, quiet village of Liberty that Sylvia found her home and began to raise her family.  As a single mother, she worked tirelessly and diligent, sacrificing all she had to give her children a better life.  Finding her strength to do so in knowing that God had a specific purpose for her life, Sylvia took great comfort in the generous support of The Congregation Ahavath Israel.

Always striving to provide for her family, Sylvia honed her clerical skills while working for the resort.  In 1979, with a great deal of preparation and practice, Sylvia managed to attain the highest Civil Service test score for Typist Candidate and was subsequently offered employment as a Library Clerk for Sullivan County Community College.  She worked there until her retirement in 2004.  While working for the college, Sylvia was afforded the fulfilling opportunity to earn two AAS Degrees.

Following retirement, Sylvia volunteered for several years at the Liberty Elementary School's Grandmother program.  Watching the children advance through their primary school years gave her a great deal of joy.  She was grateful to all the teachers who invited her into their classrooms and encouraged her to participate.  She sincerely appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the children's and teacher's lives.

Sylvia loved the village of Liberty.  It was her home for more than 60 years.  She seemed to know everyone who lived and worked in the village.  She considered everyone she knew a friend.

Sylvia is predeceased by her beloved sister, Virginia (Junie) Einhorn, her older brothers Nathan (Natie) Hilu and Sam (Nesmo) Hilu as well as her twin brother Jacob (Jakie) Hilu.   She is survived by her four children, Joseph, Morris and his wife Maria, Richard and his wife Kim, and Rachel as well as grandchildren, Keith, Samantha, Mitchell, Matthew, Marcie, Katie and Johnny.

Sylvia's family would like to express the deepest gratitude to so many who were fond of and showed great kindness to their mother.  In particular, the Village of Liberty Police and Street Departments for going so far above and beyond the scope of their duties to show compassion and concern for her.  God bless you all for your dedication to service.

In lieu of flowers, Sylvia's family asks that you please consider making a donation to C.A.R.E. - Catskill Animal Rescue:  P.O. Box 522  -  Liberty, NY 12754.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. www.Harris-FH.com  845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200.