Sylvia Coons Ochs

November 17, 1941 - March 11, 2021

Sylvia Coons Ochs was a graceful, accomplished woman who did much for the Tallahassee community. During her nearly 50 years in Tallahassee, Sylvia’s “touch” could be felt all over town as she focused her numerous talents and powerful organizational skills developing the arts, charity, and civic projects. Her talents, tremendous vision and organizational skills impacted Tallahassee in countless ways. Sylvia was a former operating nurse, a pilot, a professionally trained soprano, consummate pianist, played violin, organ, harpsichord, and French horn. She was a ruthless shark on the tennis court and a gourmet chef in the kitchen. Sylvia’s masterful touch with flowers, decorating, organizing, and fund raising coupled with her efficient and graceful work helped transport many Tallahassee projects to record successes. She streamlined accounting procedures and established budgets for countless organizations. What really made her special was her generosity with her talents and giving of her time to put out a superior product. Through these successful endeavors she developed her most cherished friendships. Volunteer of the year 1981 and 2006, President of the Junior League, Regional Supervisor of US Pony Club, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, POPS in the Park, Tallahassee Civic Ballet, Florida Heritage Foundation, Monticello Opera, Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Sciences, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, LeMoyne Art Foundation, and Co-Founder of Red Hills Horse Trials. Sylvia died peacefully in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 79. Sylvia was born in Walton NY in November 1941 to Louise and Roswell Coons. She graduated with top honors from New York University’s Bellevue School of Nursing and moved to Tallahassee in 1969 with her husband Dr. David Ochs, an orthopedic surgeon. Sylvia is survived by her children, Lisa Perry (Chuck) of Tallahassee, Florida, Karla Newton (Will) of Jacksonville, Florida and George Ochs (Nancy) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sylvia has 7 grandchildren. Olivia Perry of Staten Island, NY, David Perry of Orlando, FL, Jeffrey Perry of Pensacola, FL, Emma and Trent Newton of Jacksonville, FL, Frances and Elliott Ochs of Albuquerque, NM. The family is receiving guests for a socially distanced Celebration of Life on Friday, March 19th from 5:00-7:00 at her home. A private memorial service will be held in Walton, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Foundation, Tallahassee Symphony or the Leon County Humane Society. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)