Silvia Tammisto Zsoldos, 92, mentor, educator, finder of creative solutions, “force of nature,” wife, and fabulous mother died peacefully at home on September 7, 2022.

Born in Chicago, she was raised in Finland. After surviving the Finno-Russo War and World War II in Helsinki, she moved back to the United State in her 20’s. While attending college in Cincinnati, she met the love of her life, Laszlo Zsoldos. She worked an amazing variety of jobs to support her family, including as a supervisor at Gruen plant in Cincinnati making bomb sights, and a case worker for Traveler’s Aid.

A firm believer in education, Silvia received both a Masters and Doctorate in American History, all while raising three children. The family settled in Delaware in the 1960’s, and Silvia devoted herself to education. She was a lecturer in American History, and a Research Analyst at the University of Delaware. During her tenure as Assistant Dean at the-then College of Nursing, she established a program to assist and keep at-risk nursing students. Many students were helped by not only the program, but her guidance as well. She was passionate about Newark and was always happy to share advice or experiences with anyone and everyone. Some described her as a Sherman Tank, but she was always ready to have your back and be the armor you needed!

She adored animals, and over her life adopted many cats and dogs. Her last Vizsla, Mousse, was her constant companion and Silvia missed her company deeply. She also loved her students and her children’s friends many of whom became part of her extended family of children and grandchildren.

In 1988, Silvia, as the President of FinnFest 88, organized and led an international celebration of the 350^th anniversary of Finns in America. The event was a huge success drawing people and dignitaries from as far away as Australia.

After leaving the University of Delaware she started her own business, Success Programs, Inc, and, in 1999, was named the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Advocate of the Year.

As a Distinguished Toastmaster, Silvia will be missed as a mentor for many Toastmasters: an organization near and dear to her heart. She expanded the reach of Toastmasters in the region while acting as the Regional Education Chair and Public Relations Officer for several years.

Even in her last days, she was still working to be a guide by reminding people of the importance of education and reading. She was truly a beacon of strength and knowledge for all around her.

She was predeceased by Laszlo and her daughter Hepsi, and is survived by her son, Peter (Sharon), daughter, Carolyn, grandchildren Alexander (Shellie) and Lauren Parrish (Scott) as well as her step-grandson Jeff Smith (Eva) and the “the child of her heart,” Miriam Spells. Her 5 great-grandchildren’s pictures and news always delighted her.

A Celebration of Silvia’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 12:00 PM at R. T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home – 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE. The family will begin receiving friends at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either Delaware Hospice, or Paws for People.

Kiitos kaikesta, Äiti.