Sylvia Wallach-Motin

Sylvia Dayenne Wallach-Motin passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Glenbrook Memorial Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. Born July 9, 1943, in Stanley, Wisconsin, Sylvia had lived with her husband, Norman Motin, in Northbrook, Illinois for the past six years. For most of her adult life, she lived in Chicago. She graduated in 1961 from Wausau High in Wausau, Wisconsin where the Wallach family moved from Stanley in 1954. After completing a music performance degree at Milton College, Sylvia combined full time teaching in the Chicago public school system and sharing her classically trained alto voice performing baroque music and opera. She later completed Masters Degrees in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University and Music Education from National College of Education. A passionate, committed and creative music educator, Sylvia captivated the children and children's educators with whom she worked for decades close to home in Illinois and Wisconsin and far afield from Australia to Alaska. She has a unique way of touching and bringing forth people's musical essence that left her deeply imbedded in the hearts of those fortunate enough to work with her. Her Sylvionics "Rhythm, Reading, Rhyme & Rap" teacher's guide, CDs and cassettes are a living legacy to her Orff-based pedagogical approach of integrating music and movement. She loved traveling from snorkeling in Fiji, the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii to trips with Norm to Israel, Las Vegas, the Florida Keys and more.
She is survived by her husband, Norman Motin of Northbrook, her brother Peter Wallach and sister-in-law Toby of Madison, Wisconsin, and best friend Tari Rubenstein of Skokie, Illinois, her husband Ron and their daughter and Sylvia's godchild Jessica. She was preceded in death by her sister, Renee Wallach Coleson and her parents, Theodore and Else Wallach. Sylvia was a dedicated, riotously fun and nickname-bestowing aunt to Lori (Lumparella), David (Goofy Grape) and Daniel (Sniddley) Wallach and great aunt to Jacob, Noah, and Samuel. After receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer in 2009 Sylvia fought to extend her life and filled it with painting classes, meaningful time with friends and family, and travel.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 22 at 11 a.m. at Mount Sinai Congregation, Wausau, Wisconsin.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.