Sylvia Pearl Mirrop

On May 6, 2021, Sylvia Pearl Mirrop passed away peacefully at her home. She was 90 years old. Sylvia “Nana” Mirrop was born on February 26, 1931 in Manhattan, New York. Her parents, Harry and Rose Pearl, emigrated from Poland in the early 20s. The family moved to the Bronx shortly after that. She graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1949, and then attended City College in the Bronx. She met Burton Mirrop at a Jewish War Veteran dance, and they were married on May 19, 1951. They briefly lived in Wilmington, North Carolina after they were married. Sylvia moved back to New York while Burt was on military maneuvers. The happy couple enjoyed taking road trips visiting national parks across the country. They moved to El Paso, Texas in September 1954. Sylvia and Burt had three children: Cheryl, Mindy, and Samuel. Family road trips were taken to multiple US destinations and Mexico with Cheryl and Mindy. Weekends at the drive-in movies were enjoyed by the family. Sylvia orchestrated artistically decorated birthday parties complete with large cakes and doll centerpieces. Cheryl and Mindy frequently wore matching outfits custom made by Harry Pearl. Unfortunately, Burt left the marriage and moved to another country. Determined to “pick up the pieces and rebuild“, Sylvia went to nursing school at UT El Paso and trained to become a nurse’s aide. Her first job was at the county hospital, Thomason General Hospital, where she worked night shifts for about five years. During that time, she frequently applied to work at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center and was hired there in December 1973. She continued working there as a nurse’s aide for about 20 years, and then transferred to medical records where she continued to work until last year, retiring at the ripe young age of 89 years. After retirement, Nana received a Civilian Service Commendation Medal from the Department of the Army for her 47 years of service. Her coworkers all enjoyed working with her and treated her like a member of their family. Sylvia was a member of the Fort Bliss Jewish Chapel for over 50 years. Although our family at the time was not in the military, the Fort Bliss Jewish chapel welcomed our civilian family. Sylvia “Nana” Mirrop was a kind, hard-working “shining light“ that we will all miss. Sylvia is survived by her children: Cheryl Mirrop of Denver, Colorado; Mindy Dember of El Paso, Texas; Samuel Mirrop and spouse Barbara of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren: Joshua Portuondo-Dember and spouse Akiba of Sharon, Massachusetts; Brandan Dember of Austin, Texas; Anne Mirrop and fiancé Raymond Boyd of Boulder, Colorado. Sylvia was also survived by her sisters Shirley Futlick and spouse Morris of Coarsegold, California; Ellen Gabehart of Springfield, Oregon, plus many nieces and nephews, grand-and great-grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her brother Israel; her mother and father; and son-in-law Jeff Dember. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Susan G. Komen race for the cure. Link to the Susan G Komen race for the cure: http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/DIYFundraising/HeadquartersSite?px=26054895&pg=personal&fr_id=8591 A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2021 starting at 10:30 am at Temple Mt. Sinai Cemetery. If you wish to virtually patriciate in the graveside service, please email Yoshimusic@gmail.com for additional information.