In Loving Memory of
Sylvia DiTommaso Nielsen
July 17, 1934 – February 3 – 2021
Virtual Celebration of Life was held on March 6, 2021 at 1:00 PM EST
Peacefully and surrounded by her family, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Sylvia DiTommaso Nielsen entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the age of 86.
Sylvia was the loving wife of the late Edward (Ed) Robert Nielsen and will be missed by her children: Wendy, Cindy, Guy and his wife Monika; her grandchildren: Madison, Mark, Alessandra, Olivia and Julia; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born on July 17, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, she is predeceased by her parents Gaetano and Philomena (Anna); and siblings Mary, Ricky, Tony, Frank, Louise, Rose, and Lenora.
Sylvia attended Adelphi University in NYC for her undergraduate degree in nursing and later in life received a second degree in Art History at the University of Maryland. She enjoyed careers as varied as nursing, career coaching, modeling, running an international fashion school, and even teaching hockey and figure skating.
Sylvia and Ed lived in a variety of places including Long Island, New York; Simsbury, Connecticut; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Sarasota, Florida and also overseas in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Brussels, Belgium. She was charismatic and fun and made lifelong friends wherever she lived. She and Ed had a zest for travel and visited dozens of countries, acquiring a collection of unusual art and artifacts along the way. Sylvia also had a gift for language, and beyond her native English, learned to be fluent in Spanish, French and Italian, while dabbling in Dutch and German.
Sylvia had a beautiful life, deserving of a special celebration. Please join us to help honor her life. We ask that you leave your sadness at the door, and instead bring your stories, your laughs and your happiness over a life that was lived to the fullest. You can RSVP below and the family would be honored if you would sign the guest book. You are also invited to share your stories ahead of time through the video tribute.
Celebration of Life donations may be made in Sylvia’s name to The Childrens Health Fund.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the kind caregivers at Tall Oaks in Reston, Virginia for their care and compassion.
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As a little girl what I remember is how beautiful your Mom was. I know she’ll live on in your hearts. Love, Lynn.Kalisch
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Dear Sylvia,
I will miss you.. Firstly, we met in 1982 and remained close for many years. You watched our daughter Alexa growing and even welcomed her to Chapel Hill when she was thinking about studyiung in the States. Ed and you were an important part of our overseas life. Your love for life, great gift to make friends and keep them for years, good humor and easygoing are unforgettable.
Too bad, you and Ed are not here anymore.
We wlill never forget you.
Larisa and Gilbert Doctorow
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Aunt Sylvia is a beautiful person inside and out. It was always a special time when she and Uncle Eddie visited. I remember the great stories my mother told about them growing up. Aunt Sylvia was a woman before her time achieving success in the business world and other endeavors. Always bettering herself. She was courageous battling the effects of a stroke. I still keep her moving letter “My Mother Never Taught Me…..”She definitely lived life to be max and her loving spirit will live on with us.
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I remember Sylvia coming to our place in White Lake, to see my mom and her father. She brought warmth and lightness along with her. She even modeled some clothes from mom’s store to help her with advertising!
I remember her coming to our temporary home in the Netherlands to meet my daughter Anneke. Sylvia was the first of my family to meet her.
Sylvia embodied strength and determination.
Rest In Peace, Aunt Syl.
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Sylvia I missing you so much. You teach me a lot about fashion, make up and how to be more assertive.
Thank you fot everything. For everyday we spent together in Sarasota. I hope you are happy together withyour lovely Husband Ed. I miss you both!!!
Love you Jo
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Aunt Sylvia was my exotic family member. Always accomplishing something new in her life and visiting/living in places I’ve only dreamed of. Aunt Syl always had this cheerful and positive attitude when I was with her. She is loved.
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When I think about my beautiful and charismatic aunt Sylvia the word that comes to mind is “remarkable.” Her love for travel and adventure, her glamour, her GORGEOUS figure, her accomplishments, her humor, her strength will forever inspire me. My mom, sister Rose, adored and revered her. The sisters are all together again. Rest in peace dear aunt Syl.
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I am a friend of Sylvia from Tall Oaks Senior Living. She was a friend and neighbor of mine on the 5th floor. She was a very intelligent, active, and witty woman. I will miss her greatly! May God receive her in His glory.