Sylvia Ulan: R.I.P.

Sylvia Ulan, 77, died May 14, 2015. Sylvia was an avid reader and mystery fan. I enjoyed spending time with her and her daughter Deborah at Left Coast Crime. Sylvia was not at LCC this year due to her illness. Because she was an active member of our mystery community, and I thought I'd share the following obituary that appeared in several Phoenix area newspapers. Her high spirits, reading recommendations, and mystery and other literary contributions will be missed.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Sylvia Ulan was raised in Albany, N.Y. She graduated from Oneonta Teachers College and taught elementary school in the Albany school system for several years. She moved to Tucson to teach and attended the University of Arizona to earn her master’s degree in education. Mrs. Ulan also taught in Ray, AZ, a small rural mining community in Pinal County that no longer exists. While attending the UA, she met Leon Ulan and they married in 1962. Mrs. Ulan worked in the family business as a licensed insurance agent, real estate broker, office manager and bookkeeper. She was an active member of Temple Emanu-El and was a member of its Sisterhood. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, PTA and attended classes for a masters in Judaic studies.

In 1981 the family moved to Scottsdale and she started her involvement with the Phoenix chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, where she would serve in all capacities, including president. She also volunteered with Women in Community Service, Church Women United and Brandeis. When she moved back to Tucson, Mrs. Ulpan chaired the first Tucson Brandeis book and author luncheon. Her community involvement included political campaigns at all levels and advocating for women’s rights and issues.

Mrs. Ulan was preceded in death by her husband, Leon. Survivors include her children, Deborah (Todd Weinstein) Ulan and Paul (Gail) Ulan, both of Phoenix; brothers Norman (Nancy) Berlat of Houston and Irwin Berlat of Tucson; sister Sandy Brown of Oceanside, Calif; and four grandchildren.

Services were held in Phoenix with interment in the Temple Emanu-El section of Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Council of Jewish Women, 1011 W. Las Palmaritas Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85021.