Obituary of Sylvia W. Andell

Sylvia Andell passed away peacefully in Elmira NY on September 24th, 2022 at age 99. Sylvia Andell was born on March 4, 1923 and raised in New York City. Her father, Abraham Levey, was a cotton goods broker and her mother, Irene Levey, a homemaker. Sylvia was an only child who was adored by her parents. She graduated from Julia Richmond High School and New York University, and at heart was always a New Yorker. Sylvia had a keen mind and love of literature. After graduation she worked for editor Hiram Hadyn at Crown Publishing and assisted author William Styron as he wrote his first novel Lie Down In Darkness. In 1946 she married Willard Freeman, whom she had known since childhood. They had two children, Andrew and James. In 1952 the family moved from Manhattan to Newton, MA so Willard could join his brother in his business. Willard passed away in 1957. In 1960, Sylvia married Melvin Andell, an orthodontist, and immediately became the mother of Mel's two daughters, Nancy and Debby. Sylvia and Mel raised their family in Newton, MA, and in 1972 they moved to Wayland, MA. In 2010 they relocated to Elmira, NY to be closer to her son, Dr. James Freeman. Melvin passed away in 2013. Sylvia was a good friend, an empathic listener and she loved music and art. From her childhood into her adult years, she played the piano and duets with a friend. She loved classical music and the Boston Symphony, jazz and listening to Ella Fitzgerald. Later in life Sylvia sang with the Golden Tones, a senior citizen's chorale in Wayland, MA and took great joy in her singing. She was inspired by visiting museums; as a child in New York she was fascinated by the Museum of Natural History, later the MFA in Boston and museums throughout Europe. Her artistic focus also led her to paint watercolors, sculpt, do needlepoint and engage in photography. She assisted in the running of the Arts Wayland cooperative. Sylvia also loved to play tennis and was an avid fan, especially of Roger Federer. Ironically, Sylvia died the same day Federer played his last professional tennis match. Sylvia leaves four children: Andrew Freeman (Deborah Freeman) of Wellfleet, MA; Dr. James Freeman (Dr. Michele Pavillard) of Elmira, NY; Nancy Andell of Chatham, NY; and Debby Andell (Greg Voss) of Acton MA. In addition to her children Sylvia leaves seven grandchildren whom she adored: Anna Hayami, Will Freeman, Sarah Pistone, Alyssa Freeze, Rebecca McDonough, Katherine Voss and Daniel Freeman, and eight great grandchildren. The younger generation nicknamed her Bama and showered her with love and all forms of giraffes. Late in her life Sylvia was lovingly cared for by a wonderful group of women that she fondly referred to as "her ladies", whom she adored like family. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Donations in her honor may be made to Doctors Without Borders https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/