Sylvia (Rechtschafer) Lichtenbaum

Sylvia (Rechtshafer) Lichtenbaum was called forth to Heavens Eternal Peace on Sunday, September 30, 2012. Born on August 8, 1929, in Hartford, Sylvia was the daughter of Israel and Clara (Orenstein) Rechtshafer. She spoke fondly of growing up on Buckingham Street, and often shared stories of her father Izzy’s Tavern, grocery store, and liquor store. In heaven, Sylvia is reunited with sisters Shirley Frank and Alyce Waxman. Heaven is sure to echo with their laughter now. Sylvia attended Weaver High School where she met, and then proclaimed she would marry Jay Ervin Lichtenbaum. Through the years, 63 joyful, loving years spent side by side, Jay and Sylvia were the best of lovers and the best of friends. Out of Sylvia and Jay’s love was born children Hal Marc, Jan, and Lainie Rae. Later, Sylvia embraced Lainie’s husband, Michael Bartolotta, as one of her own. She loved and was loved by Lynn Bennett, Patricia Alex, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Our Matriarch Sylvia’s joy and purpose in life was her family, especially adored grandchildren: Joshua, Jordan, Liza and CJ. Sylvia was also blessed to be a great-grandmother. Sylvia enjoyed living in Cromwell over the past 40 years where she and Jay were the anchor of their neighborhood where life-long friendships were created. Sylvia also cherished friendships forged during her years working for the State of Connecticut. Sylvia will be remembered as the life of the party on the dance floor, as a skilled knitter, and a quintessential bargain shopper. She will be remembered with a smile on her face and in her heart. Always, Sylvia will be remembered. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Aaron Association Cemetery, 999 Garden St., Hartford. Calling hours will immediately follow at the home of Michael and Lainie Bartolotta, 110 Nooks Hill Rd., Cromwell. Donations in Sylvia’s memory can be made to your charity of choice as Sylvia would have spread good fortune amongst all. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Sylvia, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals/cfm