BORN

1920

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel

458 Hope Street

Providence, Rhode Island

Sylvia Hassenfeld Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 15, 2014.

HASSENFELD, SYLVIA K. (KAY), 93, international leader, human rights activist, and philanthropist, died August 15, 2014. She was the wife of the late Merrill L. Hassenfeld. Born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Flieglman) Kay, she was a resident of Palm Beach, Florida.





Mrs. Hassenfeld has been described as “one of the most significant leaders in the American Jewish community of the twentieth century.” In her over 50 years of national and international humanitarian leadership, she served as the first woman president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). As president of the JDC, Mrs. Hassenfeld initiated the International Development Program (IDP), which provides non-sectarian aid in times of crisis. Begun in response to the needs engendered by the Armenian earthquake, the IDP continues to provide vital emergency aid throughout the world. Also during her tenure as president, she oversaw JDC’s return to the former Soviet Union; the rescue of Jews and Muslims from Sarajevo, and Operation Solomon, which rescued over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews via airlift in just 36 hours.





At the time of her death, Mrs. Hassenfeld was the President of the Hassenfeld Foundation, a trustee of the NYU Langone Medical Center (NYULMC), a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Israel Museum, a Director of the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach and a Board Member of Hospice of Palm Beach.





A champion of children’s causes, Mrs. Hassenfeld served on the Board of the Hasbro Children’s Foundation and was instrumental in establishing the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYULMC. She was the driving force behind the current development of a dedicated children’s hospital at NYULMC; the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital is slated to open in 2017.





In addition, Mrs. Hassenfeld served as National Chair of the Women’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal and Vice-Chair of the Jerusalem Foundation, as well as a number of other leadership roles at national and international Jewish organizations, including the Board of the United Israel Appeal and the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency.





Board Member Emeritus of Hasbro, Inc., Mrs. Hassenfeld served as a Director on the company’s board for over 20 years. As a leader in academia, she served as Vice Chair of the Board at Brandeis University and on the Advisory Committee of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, a program jointly administered by Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University in Nanjing, China. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Brandeis University in 1998.





Mrs. Hassenfeld has been recognized internationally by numerous educational, cultural, and civic organizations for her diplomatic skills and her role in protecting human rights, promoting religious freedom, influencing social policy and assuring services to children in need. Among her many honors and awards, she was made an Honorary Citizen of Jerusalem in recognition for her life-long efforts on behalf of Jerusalem and its citizens. She was also made a presidential appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council under three different presidents, awarded the Emma Lazarus Statue of Liberty Award by the American Jewish Historical Society for “contributions to improving the human condition,” and honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.





Mrs. Hassenfeld is survived by her two children, Alan Hassenfeld and Ellen Hassenfeld Block; three grandchildren, Laurie Block, Michael Block, and Susan Block Casdin; two great-grandchildren. Kinsey and Blaisdell Casdin; and Vivien Hassenfeld (wife of Alan) and Alexander Casdin (husband of Susan). She was predeceased by her husband, Merrill Hassenfeld and her son Stephen D. Hassenfeld.





Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 19th at 1:00 PM at Temple Beth El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, with burial in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYULMC, One Park Ave., 17th Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attn: Grace Ko. Shiva will be observed at the home of Alan and Vivien Hassenfeld on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19th & 20th from 7-9 PM. Shiva will also be observed at the home of Susan and Alexander Casdin, 131 East 66th St, New York City on Thursday, August 21st from 6-9 PM and Friday, August 22nd from 11 AM to 2 PM.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Hassenfeld

What is your first memory of Sylvia?

Share a favorite memory you have of Sylvia.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Sylvia.

Describe a time when Sylvia made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Sylvia?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Sylvia.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Sylvia.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Sylvia.

What is something you learned from Sylvia?

Not sure what to say?

September 12, 2014

James Nihan

Dear Alan and family,
I was humbled as I came to understand what a selfless and exemplary individual your mother was; it is so rare these days that any one individual can move so many mountains and fulfills so many dreams. I want to sincerely thank you for sharing her with us; she shall eternally serve as the vision of God's ideal being.
Deuteronomy 10:12 “to love the LORD your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul”

September 2, 2014

Elaine Mendes

Dear Alan, my sincere condolences in the loss of your mother. I worked at Hasbro, Ri for 24 years. A great lady who was very much respected from what I have heard and read!

September 2, 2014

Susan Pondfield

Dear Alan, So very sorry to hear of your extraordinary mother's passing. She had a tremendous impact on me and anyone else who was fortunate to know her. You will miss her always but hopefully be comforted by her legacy. With sad regards, Susan Pondfield

August 31, 2014

Elliot Jager

I was saddened to hear that Mrs. Hassenfeld passed away. A great lady. May her memory be for a blessing. Elliot Jager (Jerusalem)

August 27, 2014

Dear Alan and Family...My deepest condolences in the loss of your mother. I worked at Milton Bradley for 30 years and she was very much respected by all. She was a wonderful woman and leader. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joan Mitta

August 27, 2014

So sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. No words can help ease the pain and loss that your family is experiencing right now. "May seeking comfort from God provide strength during this difficult time." - Isa 51:12

August 27, 2014

To Ellen and Alan please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful and exceptional mother. My mom, Helen, was your dad's first cousin and both she and my father, Willie, thought the world of Sylvia and Merrill. Hannah Reich Berman

August 24, 2014

Stacey and Gene Mihaly

Dear Alan and the entire Hassenfeld family,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sylvia touched so many lives and will be remembered always.

August 22, 2014

Anthony Zampello

Alan
My family extends our condolences to your family in this time of your mom's passing. She is a remarkable woman and anyone associated with her is proud to have known her. She personifies the meaning of the saying that "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." She is that single candle that has brightened thousands of lives.
The Zampello family

August 20, 2014

Judy jessop

I am deeply saddened hearing of Sylvia's death. She was an amazing woman and I know you will feel her presence in your lives going forward. Reading tributes and articles about her many accomplishments increases my respect and awe even more. I will pray for your healing as you mourn this great loss.

August 20, 2014

Paul and Jo Chaset

We are so saddened to learn of your loss. She was an inspiration and role model to be remembered.

August 19, 2014

Dear Ellen and Alan,
Bob and I were so sad to hear of your beautiful Mom's passing. She was strong, gracious,generous,smart and stunning. She was an inspiration to so many of us. She will live on through you and your families forever.
Sincerely, Joyce and Bob Starr

August 19, 2014

My deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful,Mom.I worked with her on Jewish Federation.She will be missed.I thought she was a marvelous woman.Barbara Amber Schwartz

August 19, 2014

James & Kiersten Mooney

Dear Michael & Hassenfeld Family,

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May fond memories and the incredible legacy of your Grandmother bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Her deep faith, great courage and generous devotion to her life's work has touched so many lives and for this, mankind will forever be grateful. Her work here on earth may be complete, but her name will remain a symbol of selflessness and the impact will live on.

Our heartfelt condolences,

August 19, 2014

sandra epstein

No ONE person can take her place...she was filled with beauty and grace She gave to so many in the form of contributions and kindness to all. She will always be a light in my life!

August 19, 2014

Cheryl Comai

Dear Alan & Vivien,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Cheryl Comai

August 19, 2014

Deepest Sympathy and Fond Remembrances from the Granoff Family

August 18, 2014

Dear Alan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Myra Edens

August 18, 2014

To the Hassenfeld Family
Our deepest condolences,
Diane and Arthur Newman

August 18, 2014

Dear Alan,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Her incredible spirit and influence will live on forever. Thanks for inspiring and supporting so many. Eva Taub

August 18, 2014

Ervin S. Duggan

Sylvia Haasefeld was a trustee and major supporter of The Society of the Four Arts, a major educational and cultural center in Palm Beach, Florida. She was deeply respected for her wise counsel and superb judgment, and held in affectionate esteem for her warm and supportive spirit. She will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues at The Four Arts, and remembered with respect for her leadership. Most sincerely, Ervin S. Duggan, President & CEO.

August 18, 2014

Dear Alan, I was sorry to hear about your mother s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Annmarie Desrosiers

August 18, 2014

JEREMY REITMAN

Dear Elli and Alan,
I extend to you and your families my most
sincere codolences on your mother's passing. She was an extraordinary woman and a great contributor to Jewish life.
I share your grief.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Reitman

August 18, 2014

John Vallante

To the entire Hassenfeld family I offer my deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss.
John Vallante
Jake Kaplan's Land Rover .

August 18, 2014

Richard Krugman

Dear Alan and Ellen
Henry Kempe once told me that only time, life and love were irreplaceable. My wish for you and the family is that the time and love Sylvia provided after giving you life will provide solace now and only happy memories will continue into the future.
All our love, Dick and Mary Krugman (Denver)

August 18, 2014

Alan, We are all thinking of you.
Child Life Department at Hasbro Children's Hospital

August 18, 2014

Dear Alan and family: I am so sorry to have read about the passing of your Mother. I worked for Herbert Brown a long time ago and also worked for you at Hasbro. I know you don't remember me, but please accept my condolences and prayers at this time. Richard Campagnone Sr.-Daytona Beach, Florida

August 18, 2014

Dear Alan, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Michael and Elizabeth Hogg

August 18, 2014

Roland Cote

August 17, 2014

Adrianne Gurdjian-Cady

Dear Alan and Ellen....My sympathies to you and your extended family on the death of your dear mother. Her efforts on behalf of social justice worldwide are exemplary. Growing up, I lived near you and played with Alan on Rose Court and looked up to Ellen. I recall Stephen getting off the city bus coming home from school everyday. Decades later, my husband worked at Hasbro and I worked at Hasbro Children's Hospital and saw all the benefits your family's generosity brought to Rhode Islanders.
My condolences to you all...

August 17, 2014

Max Harari

Dear Alan. I am sorry to hear thebsad news. May the almighty keep your mother's soul high in the heavens. Her good deeds will be remmemberd for many generations. She was trully and outstanding Eshet Hail. Sincerily, Max M Harari.

August 17, 2014

michael friedland

I remember meeting you in your new home in Barrington one evening(at the urging of Ralph Semenoff) and then caring for you and the boys for a while. I appreciated your caring nature and concerns for health care and our new medical school.

Michael L. Friedland MD(Miriam Hospital 1972-1981)

August 17, 2014

Timothy Duffy

Alan:
I sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She will be in my prayers.

August 17, 2014

Renee Hampton

Alan and Ellie, I am so sad to hear about your mother. She was the most wonderful person i've ever met. My love and sympathy and prayers are with your family. Love Renée

August 17, 2014

George and Mary Coombs

Alan, we are sorry to read of your Mom's passing. Know that my family will remember her and you in our prayers.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Sylvia Hassenfeld's name

Memorial Events
for Sylvia Hassenfeld

Aug

19

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Temple Beth El

70 Orchard Ave, Providence, IL 02906

Aug

19

Shiva

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

home of Alan and Vivien Hassenfeld

IL 02906

Aug

20

Shiva

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

home of Alan and Vivien Hassenfeld

IL 02906

Aug

21

Shiva

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

home of Susan and Alexander Casdin

131 East 66th St, New York City, IL 02906

Aug

22

Shiva

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Susan and Alexander Casdin

131 East 66th St, New York City, IL 02906

Funeral services provided by:

Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel

458 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906

How to support Sylvia's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sylvia Hassenfeld's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more