We report with sadness the death of Sylvia Ruth Goodman on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the age of ninety-seven. Sylvia was born at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco on August 23, 1917, the first child of Harry Zinman and his wife Jennie, nee Brill. Both her parents had immigrated from Tsarist Russia. Their second child, Sylvia's brother Buddy, was born four years later. The family moved to San Bernardino in Southern California while she was a child, but returned to the San Francisco Bay Area some years later.
Sylvia attended the University of California at Berkeley for a time after high school, but had met and fallen in love with Irving Goodman. They were active participants in the East Bay ballroom dance scene of their era, and were married in March 1943. The marriage lasted sixty-six years. They lived in the East Bay initially, but later settled in Burlingame, where they bought a house at 1821 Ashton Avenue and raised their family. Their first son Phillip was born in 1946, their second son William in 1951. Sylvia became a homemaker and housewife, and the family joined Temple Beth Shalom in Burlingame, where Sylvia was active with the sisterhood, sang in the temple choir, and had many friends.
From an early age, Sylvia had developed an interest in musical theater, and she sang and performed in local productions as well as taking in many a Bay Area stage offering. She was fond of movies, as well. She and Irv visited New York City to expand their theater horizons, and on other occasions later in life she travelled with friends to Europe and elsewhere. There was at least one trip to Israel. Irv stayed behind during some of her voyages in order to work. He predeceased her in April 2009, and Phillip passed away in October 2011. She is survived by her son William, of Carmichael, and granddaughters Tamara and Danielle Goodman of Colorado, as well as by nieces and nephews.
She resided in her later years---after she and Irv sold their home---at Sterling Court in San Mateo, and most recently at Carlmont Gardens in Belmont. In both places, she was popular for her sweet disposition and positive outlook. She was an esteemed member of both communities for her remarkable equanimity and invariably kind way with people. Indeed, these virtues characterized her throughout her life. Her bright spirit will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma.