Sylvia Frost

Shoe Store Owner, Doll Maker

Sylvia Frost, 93, a former shoe store owner and doll maker who lived in Franklin Square, N.Y., for 42 years, died May 26 at Danbury hospital. She had lived in Newtown the past several months with her daughter, Rita Frost, and son-in-law, Francis Caro.

Mrs Frost is also survived by her sister, Lillian; daughter Marilyn Pillar of North Woodmere, N.Y.; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was married to Jack Frost of Clementon, N.J., who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Morris and Samuel.

Mrs Frost was born on September 15, 1913, in Philadelphia, to Abraham and Sadie Gamburg. She grew up in Camden, N.J., and at an early age was given the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings while her parents ran their grocery store.

Mrs Frost was known for making more than 2,000 dolls, many of which were sent to more than 20 countries. She prided herself on the fact that no two were alike and that they were made from scrap material. She knitted the hats and hair and drew faces on old canvas.

Mrs Frost was known for her charitable gifts of dolls to the Newtown chapter of Hadassah and attended many functions of the group. Friends and family saw her as a quiet, sweet woman who never gossiped or wasted her time. She was  extremely resourceful and driven, and loved by all who met her.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Newtown Chapter of Hadassah, 4 Meadowview Drive, Brookfield CT 06804, or Congregation Adath Israel, PO Box 623, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee June 15, 2007