Cynthia R. Engel

Cynthia R. Engel (Friedlander), age 92, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, at Bridges By EPOCH in Westwood. Cynthia was the beloved wife of Alvin Engel for the past 73 years. She is survived by her children, Michael Engel of Tel Aviv, Israel, and Sheryl Olshin and her husband Josh of Sharon, MA. She is also survived by her younger siblings Lynda Mandelbaum of Englewood, NJ and Mark Friedlander of Riverdale, NY. Cynthia was an adoring grandmother to Amos Engel, Romy Engel, and Emma Olshin, and a doting great-grandmother to Nevo Engel.

The daughter of an orthodox Rabbi, Cynthia was born in Borough Park, NY where she met Alvin and the two were married in 1950. Cynthia earned a BA from Brooklyn College and a PhD from Yeshiva University in NY. Her academic achievements were the foundation of a successful career as a school psychologist and private practice psychoanalyst. In the ten years prior to retirement, she was the lead psychologist at NYC Health + Hospitals Coler Rehab Hospital on Roosevelt Island, NY.

Cynthia and Alvin raised their children on Long Island and later relocated to Sharon, MA to help raise their granddaughter, Emma. Cynthia was a loving and constant presence in Emma’s life. Her endless devotion was apparent in everything she did with Emma. Her home was a warm, nurturing and educational environment that allowed Emma to flourish into an accomplished student and young adult.

Beyond her professional life, Cynthia was an avid reader and liked to crochet and create elaborate embroidery. She also was a great cook, known for her delicious mushroom barley soup, brisket and a legendary carrot cake.

Graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday October 15th at Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon. Shiva will take place at the home of Sheryl and Josh Olshin immediately following the funeral, from 1-5pm and again from 7-9pm with minyan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Caring Hospice of Massachusetts 11 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 250, Norwood, MA 02062 or to the Mass General Hospital Dementia Care Collaborative.

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