Sylvia Osman Memorial

Memorial Minute for Sylvia Osman

Sylvia Louise Osman passed away peacefully in her home with family on March 19, 2023. She was born in Placerville, CA on August 3, 1926 to Gladys Easter (Ingraham) Austin and Lloyd Charles Austin (an eminent iris hybridizer). She was 96 years old. Sylvia is survived by her children and their spouses: Julia Ann Levinson and Eric Levinson, Eric Douglas Osman, Jeanette Rene Osman-Bravard and Russell Osman-Bravard, and her sister Jewell DeLapp. She is also survived by her grandsons (Cory, Clinton and Watson). Sylvia was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Wesley Harris Osman in 1997 and her brother, Norman Austin in 2015.

Sylvia had a Masters Degree in Social Work and worked 22 years as a Social Worker for Sacramento County. She was also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Sylvia was deeply loved by her family and loved by all who knew her. She devoted her life to helping others. As residents of Sacramento, Sylvia and Wesley worked tirelessly for the causes of peace and justice. Together they shared a mission to champion the rights of the forgotten and the under-served, and a vision of an America that valued and respected all of its citizens. Wesley was a pastor for the United Methodist Church and they remained involved with the church after his retirement.
After Wes’ death in 1997, Sylvia continued her involvement with numerous groups and organizations. In the year 2000 Sylvia moved to Grass Valley to help with and live closer to her grandsons. Sylvia maintained a large iris garden at her Grass Valley home. It was filled with iris that her father had hybridized. In May her yard was filled with blooms and was the attraction of the neighborhood. She loved the outdoors and was an avid tree-lover.

In addition to helping with her grandsons, Sylvia continued her quest for political, social, and personal change. She volunteered for Hospitality House of Grass Valley, attended the Grass Valley Friends Meetings, and practiced daily meditation.  At the Grass Valley Friends Meeting for Worship, she often gave positive, uplifting messages. She was involved in the Library committee, where she was instrumental in helping the Librarian. In keeping with her spirit of activism, Sylvia served on the Peace and Social Concerns committee for 10 years. Additionally, she was a member of the local chapter of Gather the Women and attended Non-Violent Communication classes. She remained socially active into her early 90’s, touching many people in the Sacramento and Grass Valley communities.
Sylvia was self-less to a fault, always looking to consider the needs of others above her own. Every day Sylvia lived by values she so firmly believed in. She touched everyone she knew and served as a spiritual and social model to others. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.