Sydelle Meyer, a renowned philanthropist and collector of fine art, passed away on September 22, 2023. Meyer was a recipient of Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University’s Woman of Distinction Award in 2003.
For over 30 years, PBA has hosted an annual Women of Distinction luncheon at The Breakers in Palm Beach, honoring women who cherish community and family, and who want to preserve those ideals for others. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit a scholarship fund for deserving female students who demonstrate outstanding academics, service and leadership.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Sydelle’s passing,” said Dr. Debra Schwinn, President of PBA. “She left a positive mark on Palm Beach County, and her legacy will always be remembered.”
According to her obituary in The Palm Beach Post, Sydelle Meyer graduated college from Ohio State University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Years later, she went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in teaching from Lawrence University in New York.
Meyer and her late husband, Arthur, were deeply involved in their Palm Beach County community, especially in the areas of education, the arts and philanthropy. They were the founders and benefactors of the Interfaith Pavilion at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Drama Works, both located in West Palm Beach. They also contributed significantly to Jewish Community Centers in Harrison, N.Y. and West Palm Beach. They funded the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Preparatory School and the religious school of Temple Judea, both in Palm Beach County.
She served on the boards of many diverse organizations, including the Norton Museum of Art, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach, the Kravis Center of Performing Arts, United Way, the Science Museum, the School of the Arts Foundation and Ballet Florida. Her local commitment to the community also included a family gift to West Palm Beach for the Meyer Amphitheater and Meyer Hall at Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
PBA is grateful to have played a small part in honoring Meyer’s commitment to the Palm Beach County community and is so appreciative of her lasting impact.
