Obituary of Ada Jean Sykes
Jean Sykes, age 100 of the Kingsway Arms Nursing Home in Schenectady died on December 22, 2018 at the nursing home. She was born in Catawissa, Pa and was the daughter of the late David and Bessie Levine Finkelstein.
Jean was small but mighty. She was in charge of everything “Sykes.”
After high school, Jean married Donald Sykes and so began their marriage of 59 years. When Jerry and Paul were born, the family was complete.
When Don was in the Navy in WWII, Jean not only ran the home but worked in a curtain factory where she made parachutes. In later years, Jean was the office manager for her brother-in-law Bill’s business, Pickelner Coal and Fuel. She retired at age 82.
Jean was a fabulous cook and baker, known for many recipes but especially for her chocolate cakes.
In addition to her devotion to Don, Jerry and Paul, Jean was always with her sister, Sara and very close to her nephews David and Steven Pickelner.
When not running her home and working, Jean was involved with Hadassah and Congregation Ohev Shalom. When the synagogue moved to a new building, Jean made all the window coverings as her gift.
At the age of 90, Jean decided it was time to move near Jerry and his family in Albany. Six years ago, due to her declining health, she moved to Kingsway Nursing Home.
In addition to Donald Sykes, Jean was pre-deceased by
son Paul Jay Sykes and brother Max (Goldy) Finkelstein and sisters Sara (William) Pickelner and Betty Close.
Jean is survived by son Jerry (Ilene) Sykes, daughter-in-law Bonnie Sykes and
Grandchildren Jamie (Tommy Klemperer) Stevens, Lynn (Stu) Negus, Steven (Meredith) Sykes, Julie (Tony) Mikels, Jennifer(James) Goodman and Toni McElroy
Also, Jean had 7 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at the Ohev Shalom Cemetery in Williamsport, Pa on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 1pm
Special thanks to Mary Rose McKinney, Jean’s friend and aide of many years and to the wonderful and caring staff at Kingsway Nursing home.
Donations can be made to Jewish Federation of NENY Chaplaincy program or the charity of your choice.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Jerry and Ilene Sykes, Saturday, January 5th from 6:30- 9:00pm with a service at 7:30pm and on Sunday, January 6th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
