Elisabeth Syvertsen

Elisabeth Syvertsen (née Panski), a longtime resident of Saint James, New York, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, embraced by the love of family and friends.

Born on October 2, 1932 in Győr, Hungary, she later lived in Budapest and was a competitive fencer in her youth. She emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City, working as an English translator for Hungarian immigrants, as well as in retail jewelry sales and modeling.

While assisting Hungarian refugees through her translation work, Elisabeth met her future husband, James Syvertsen. 

Following their marriage, they made their home in Jackson Heights, Queens, before later relocating to Hauppauge and eventually Saint James. These moves encouraged growing interests for showing large-breed dogs, enjoying the outdoors, cooking, and building a rich family life.

Her cooking was renowned among the fortunate circle of family and friends. Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, Hungarian dishes such as chicken paprikash, or confections and baked treats were all fortes in her culinary palate.

Family was always her highest priority. She adapted to the needs and interests of her family, including becoming a skating advisor and table tennis coach to her son, Andrew, during his early years—and even setting aside her lifelong preference for dogs to become a devoted “cat mom” in support of Andrew’s love for cats.

For many years, Elisabeth worked as a purser for the Port Jefferson Ferry Company, a role she carried out with dedication and warmth.

The greatest joy of her life came from being a grandmother to her cherished granddaughter, Sophia. 

Their years together were filled with companionship and adventure: seasonal and nonseasonal Easter egg hunts, board and outdoor games, in-home entrepreneurial projects, pumpkin painting, drawing and artwork, and visits to the Saint James General Store, among many treasured moments.

An avid reader and crossword puzzle virtuoso, she maintained a lifelong passion for history, the arts, and especially classical music, and enjoyed sharing those interests with others.

Elisabeth was preceded in death by her husband, James Michael Syvertsen, to whom she was married for 64 years.

She is survived by her son, James “Andrew” Syvertsen; her daughter-in-law, Helen Syvertsen, of Saint James, New York; and her granddaughter, Sophia Syvertsen, of Plainview, New York.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.