Sarah “Sylvia” Kirschblum, 97, of Fairfield, died peacefully November 15. She was born and raised in Newtown, and was the daughter of the late Abraham and Yetta (Bernzweig) Nezvesky. She was a homemaker and raised five children.

Her children and their spouses, Rosalie and Charles Newman of Newtown, Nancy and Thomas Jessell of Milford, Elaine and Philip Kosri of Fairfield, Mark Kirschblum of Rocky Hill, and Carol and Michael Cole of Canton; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren survive her.

Her loving husband of 73 years, Henry Kirschblum, predeceased her in 2016. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Samuel Nezvesky, Israel Nezvesky, Dr Louis Nezvesky, Shirley Beresin, and Minnie Lichter.

Mrs Kirschblum was energetic and ready at a moment’s notice to help family, friends, and people in need. She was a devoted and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Those that knew her say she was always upbeat, positive, and practiced her powerful but simple mantras, “Life gets better” and “It could be worse.”

At times she was matter-of-fact with an empathetic and warm heart. The farmer in her enjoyed doing yard work, and she would leave piles of debris for Mr Kirschblum to pick up. She also enjoyed playing cards and had a keen math aptitude. People will remember her as being outspoken and caring, stoic and compassionate, and strong and easy going. She would give people a love tap and then ask a personal question or give advice, because she always wanted the best for people. Everyone that knew her felt her passion for family and life.

The family will be forever grateful and would like to thank her caregiver, Margarita Mitchell, as well as the aides and nurses from The Jewish Home Morrison House and Hospice.

A graveside service will take place Sunday, November 18, at 1 pm, at the Ahavath Achim Cemetery, 250 Reid Street, Fairfield.

Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Adath Israel, PO Box 623, Newtown CT 06470, as her grandparents donated the land for the original synagogue in 1919.