Sylvia Grunes, born August 14, 1926, in Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on April 4, 2026 at the age of 99.

Preceded in death by parents, Rachel and Harry Dworetzsky; her husband, Julius Grunes; her sister Evelyn Lipp; her brother, Victor Dorret; and her son, Mitch Grunes.

Survived by her son, Howard Grunes (Diane); her daughter, Miriam Grunes (Daniel Einstein); and her daughter-in-law, Shari Grunes.

Also survived by her grandchildren, Noam Grunes, Andrew Grunes (Karen), Tova Angsuwat (Justin), Daniel Grunes (Linsey), Ayelet Grunes (David Dvoskin), Emmaray Einstein, Tevan Einstein, and great- grandchildren, Molly, Mia, Talia, Ethan, Juliette, Ariana, Leo, and Frances.

Raised in the historic Greenbush neighborhood, she was a graduate of Madison West High School and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin Madison. She spent her career teaching at the elementary and middle school levels and was active in the teachers’ union throughout her professional life.

Deeply connected to Yiddish culture, she taught Yiddish language classes and sang in the Madison Yiddish Choir. She enjoyed board and card games of all kinds, especially bridge. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of Madison’s theater community, attending productions and volunteering with the Madison Theater Guild.

At Beth Israel Center, she was dedicated to strengthening the role of Jewish women through her leadership in the Women’s League. Family was central to her life; she organized many Blachman family reunions and edited the family newsletter for decades, helping keep relatives connected across the U.S. and Canada.

She will be remembered for her devotion to education, Jewish culture, community life, and family.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 1:30 pm
Location: Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road at 1:30 pm (please meet at the main entrance).

For those unable to join in person, Sylvia's service will be livestreamed at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b24229e3-3a73-4cd0-ba9f-d866b8e1bcf3

Due to Passover, the family will not be holding Shiva.The family will be hosting a gathering immediately following the funeral.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Beth Israel Center , 1406 Mound Street, Madison, WI 53711.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 
3610 Speedway Rd Madison
608-238-3434