Sydelle Popinsky

Sydelle Popinsky, known as Syd to all, passed away suddenly on October 3, 2022. After nearly 87 years of adventure, Syd left this world as she lived every day – determined to get to one more performance, a jazz concert at her cherished Chez Zee. Syd was always on the go, attending plays and concerts, touring museums, traveling, dancing, volunteering and planning the next big thing. She had a natural curiosity with the unique ability to build and nurture relationships. A role model to many, Syd was the glue that brought people together. Her energy and enthusiasm for life was hard to match. Born in Newburgh, NY, to Mattie and George Schuman, Syd was a self-described tomboy with energy to burn. She went to New York State University at Buffalo, where she joined the debate team and met Arnie Popinsky. They married in 1954 and eventually moved to Wisconsin and started a family. Syd earned a master’s in library science and Arnie became a prominent art professor at Beloit College. Throughout her life, Syd often took a less conventional path. In 1976, Arnie and Syd made a bold move; they packed up their family and moved to Austin, Texas, where they set their sights on creating a crafts business, soon to become Clarksville Pottery and Gallery. In the early years, Syd supported the family as a continuing education consultant at the Texas State Library, eventually joining the business full time. By the mid-90s, Clarksville Pottery grew to multiple storefronts, but Syd’s true joy was rooted in the artists, neighbors and customers who became part of their lives. Syd was one of the lucky few who found love twice in her lifetime. After losing her beloved Arnie to leukemia after 56 years of marriage, she later met Chuck Mandelbaum while ushering at the synagogue. Discovering a shared interest in the arts, they kept a busy schedule as season ticketholders while also volunteering at several venues. You might have seen them at the Long Center, Bass Concert Hall, the Paramount or ZACH Theatre, smartly dressed or in matching bow ties. They married in June of 2016. Syd was bold, outspoken and a brilliant light to all, bringing love and laughter wherever she went. Family came first, but there was always room for another place at the table. Syd is survived by Chuck, daughter Diana Hyland and son-in-law William, grandson Zach, granddaughter Emma, son Mitchell Popinsky (Claire DuBois), brother Art Schuman (Mary), brother Steve Schuman (Louise) and sister-in-law Ann Gutman, plus nephews, nieces and extended Popinsky, Schuman and Mandelbaum families. Syd was preceded in death by her parents Mattie and George Schuman, husband Arnold D. Popinsky and sister-in-law Molly Wilker. Donations may be made “In Memory of Syd Popinsky” to: - Congregation Beth Israel-Austin Empty Nesters - https://www.bethisrael.org/payment.php - ZACH Theater development fund - https://tickets.zachtheatre.org/donate/contribute1

Sydelle Popinsky

November 8, 1935 - October 3, 2022