Sandra Ehrlich's Obituary
Sandra Ehrlich (née Silver) passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 86.
Sandy was born on May 29, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of three daughters born to Jack, z”l, and Sadie Silver, z”l. She grew up alongside her beloved sisters, Rita and Phyllis, z”l, forming close family bonds that remained important to her throughout her life. Sandy was a young girl when Phyllis married Irwin Shanes and Rita married Jack Dahut, z”l—both of whom she lovingly and proudly referred to as her brothers.
Bright, witty, and deeply curious, Sandy was also a gifted musician. An avid piano player from the age of three, she first began playing after listening to her older sisters’ piano lessons. She could play beautifully by ear and from memory, a rare talent that brought joy to everyone around her. Remarkably, she continued playing well into her later years, delighting many at the Saratoga Retirement Community. Sandy also had a lifelong love of art and culture and a particular knack for the New York Times crossword puzzle.
Sandy graduated from Tilden High School and was the first in her family to attend college, studying education at Brooklyn College. She began her career as a teacher, where her musical talent often led her to coordinate school musicals and performances. Sandy’s love of travel began in her early twenties with trips to Colorado and Europe alongside her lifelong friends, Judie and Harriet.
On July 4, 1962, Sandy married Shelton “Shelly” Ehrlich, z”l, in New York. Their love story began at a young professional’s dance in Manhattan, where Shelly noticed Sandy across the room and crossed over to light her cigarette. He told her he would like to take her out but mentioned he was leaving for Hawaii the very next day. Though she thought he was charming, she wasn’t entirely sure he was telling her the truth. He returned as promised, and after six months, Shelly took Sandy home to St. Louis to meet his family, where they became engaged.
Following their marriage, Sandy and Shelly took a cross-country honeymoon trip to California, where they lived while Shelly pursued his master’s degree at UC Berkeley. They later returned to the East Coast, moving as Shelly’s career opened new opportunities. They lived in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, where they welcomed their two children, Susan and Steven, and were joined by Sandy’s sister Rita’s family. Living nearby allowed Sandy to spend treasured time with her nephew Larry Dahut, z”l, and niece Ellen Schweiger. A few years later, Sandy and Shelly moved to Virginia before eventually settling in Palo Alto, California, where they made their permanent home and raised their children.
Sandy and Shelly loved Palo Alto for all it offered their family. They were active members of their local synagogue, attended the San Francisco Symphony, and frequently visited Stanford University for cultural events. When her children were older, Sandy worked for Hyatt Hotels in California, assisting with event planning. In every role she held, she brought creativity, warmth, and grace.
Sandy was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother. Her son Steven married Yumiko, whom Sandy adored and often spoke of lovingly as her wonderful daughter-in-law. Together they welcomed Tyler, Sandy’s cherished grandson. Family was always at the center of Sandy’s world. She shared close relationships not only with her immediate family but also with her many cousins, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and her grand and great-nieces and nephews. Though she lived across the country from many of them, Sandy remained deeply connected—traveling coast to coast for family simchas and staying in constant touch through frequent phone and video calls filled with warmth, stories, and laughter. She especially loved sharing memories of her childhood and reminiscing about her many adventures.
Beginning as early as 1975, Sandy and Shelly opened their home to family and friends visiting the West Coast. Her nieces and nephews hold fond memories of time spent with them, exploring the Bay Area, visiting national parks, and sharing everything Sandy and Shelly loved about life in California.
Together, Sandy and Shelly became enthusiastic world travelers, especially drawn to exploring countries throughout Asia. Their shared curiosity and sense of adventure enriched their lives and created countless cherished memories.
Sandy leaves behind her beloved sister, Rita Dahut; her brother-in-law, Irwin Shanes; her daughter, Susan Ehrlich; her son, Steven Ehrlich, and his wife, Yumiko; and her wonderful grandson, Tyler Ehrlich. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Cindy Bobrow (Mark), affectionately known as her “flower girl,” Ellen Schweiger, Jeff Shanes (Jacki), and Nancy Shanes, as well as many cousins, grand and great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Sandy will be remembered for her deep love of family, her musical gift, her adventurous spirit, her humor, and her enduring warmth. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Donations in Sandy’s memory can be made to: The Legacy Fund at Saratoga Retirement Community, 14500 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070 or Magen David Adom, https://afmda.org
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