Celebrating a Life of Service and Grace
"My mother was a quiet activist," says Nancy Goldberg, speaking about her late mother, Sylvia Reback. "No matter how much work she put into a project, she never sought the limelight or wanted to be acclaimed. In fact, when the Center for Learning in Retirement honored her with its first Distinguished Service Award, my mother used her acceptance speech to mention all the other people who deserved thanks, rather than talk about herself at all."

Although she never drew attention to herself, Sylvia Reback had a tremendous effect on those around her. "After she died, so many people called to tell me what a difference she'd made. I knew she'd been active, but I had no idea how much she'd given or in how many ways. It was just like her not to mention it," explains Nancy. "Bragging about herself was never her style."

Handling life's challenges with courage and grace was very much Sylvia Reback's style. "My mother was widowed when she was only 53, but she never gave the impression that she felt a great injustice had been done to her. And though she'd never had anything to do with my father's business, after he died she ran it successfully for years. She was also involved with so many different projects: serving as a board member of Brandeis University, forming the Page/Laguna Street Association, founding the Women's Interfaith Dialogues on the Middle East, and, of course, her over 20-year commitment to Jewish Family and Children's Services.

"My mother really loved JFCS," explains Nancy. "It embodies everything she most deeply valued. She was involved with JFCS back before there was a JFCS-in the days before Jewish Family Service and Homewood Terrace merged. She was a JFCS board member and she helped to found Parents Place. So even though she'd probably be embarrassed to have a story written about her, I know that she'd be pleased that JFCS will receive ongoing support from the Named Continuity Fund we set up in her memory. It's a living memorial to her and to all the things she felt strongly about: helping people help themselves, providing support for children and families, reaching out to those in need."