On Saturday, November 17th, 2018 Sylvia Kunitz, a loving mother, grandmother and wife sadly passed away after a sudden sickness at Vassar Brothers Hospital at the age of 82. Sylvia was born to Walter and Amy (Martin) Benson and was raised in Chatham. She graduated from Russell Sage University and subsequently got her masters from Columbia University. She joined the staff at Pine Plains High School where she taught typing, business and shorthand for 30 years.
In the early 90’s, Sylvia began a decade-long role as a caregiver when her husband Eric Kunitz got sick with ALS. A few years after his death in 2001, both her children Martin and Deborah Kunitz contracted the same illness. Sylvia played a large part in caring for them for many years until they both passed. Sylvia was also predeceased by parents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Benson and her sister Lois Hotchin.
Sylvia spent her last years as a very loving grandmother to grandchildren Rylee and Skylar Christensen and mother in law to Laura Pilkington and Keith Christensen. She enjoyed travel when she could to Florida and the Amish country in Pennsylvania.
Calling hours are Tuesday, 4-7 PM atThe Funeral Home, S. Main St., Pine Plains to commemorate Sylvia’s long and impactful life. Funeral services and interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to ALS Regional Center – Lewis Golub MDA/ALS Clinic, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205; or to a scholarship fund of your choice at the Pine Plains Central School District.
