Sylvia Mary “Syl” Schoenberger moved on to a different plane of existence on October 3, 2020 at the age of 92.
Born a twin on April 8, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to Edward and Ada (Drake) Carpenter, she grew up during the Great Depression.
While in school, Sylvia won a cooking medal; not because she was the best cook, but because the real winner sassed the teacher. This exemplifies who Sylvia was as a person: helpful and kind. She also was a life saver, having saved (at different times in life) a little girl from drowning; a toddler from falling off a deck; and quick-thinking mouth-to mouth resuscitation on her daughter.
Sylvia left school as a sophomore, to work. In 1944, she graduated from Business School, where she learned skills, especially typing, that served her well throughout her life.
Sylvia met her future husband, Edward, at the La Puma Opera Company in New York, where he played first flute. After meeting Sylvia and her twin sister, Helen, a friend of Edward’s quipped “Those sisters, VaVaVa-Voom!”
Sylvia and Edward married in 1952 and in 1957 they moved to Wausau, Wi with their son Konrad, who was born in 1954. Her artist husband received a job offer from the Marathon County Historical Museum and Sylvia became a housewife. Their daughter, Kim, was born in 1960. Sylvia enjoyed her independence and learned to drive in the early 1960’s.
Sylvia was raised in traditional religions, but was seeking something more. In the early 1970’s, Sylvia found Eckankar-the ancient science of soul travel. She became very active in Eckankar and eventually took on Ministerial duties, presiding over weddings and funerals.
Sylvia wrote and published poetry submitted writing for publication and loved entering contests and sweepstakes. She could frequently be found at her typewriter. Sylvia once wrote “I may never write anything of merit or beauty. May I please be remembered for trying?”
In her later years, Syl discovered Bingo and enjoyed trips to the casinos. Sylvia had great inner strength and great strength of character, but mostly, she will be remembered for her delightful personality and sweet disposition.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents and her twin, Helen Dawson and brothers Thomas and Edward Carpenter.
Sylvia is survived by her son, Konrad (Mary) Schoenberger of Ashland, Wi; her daughter, Kim (Jeannette) Schoenberger of Wausau, Wi; and sister Charlotte Ovrebo of Norway and many loving nieces and nephews.
Thank You to the staff at Wausau Manor nursing home, where Syl was cared for and treated to many games of Bingo!
Thanks also to Aspirus Hospice Care for its end of life care.
A memorial is planned for a later date.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
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