Medical aide's long career earned kudos

6/9/2009

Sylvia Eileen Klotz, 82, a medical assistant recognized for her dedication and contributions to the field, died Friday at her home in West Toledo.

Family members said they did not know the cause.

Ms. Klotz's professional career spanned more than 50 years and continued into her late 70s. It included founding memberships in the American Association of Medical Assistants, Toledo Medical Assistants Association, and Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants

"Her real enjoyment was helping people and sharing her knowledge, and you could tell that she had a personality where she was always involved" her nephew, William Klotz, Jr., said.

A 1946 graduate of Monclova High School, Ms. Klotz studied biology, chemistry, and social science at the University of Toledo. She received her bachelor's degree in 1950 and went on to work in the pathology department at Toledo's former Riverside Hospital, then as a technologist at the former East Side Hospital. Ms. Klotz continued to work as a medical assistant and technologist at several clinics and laboratories, most recently with the offices of Dr. Mohammed Y. Ahmed, where she retired in 2004.

There are no immediate survivors. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, followed by services at 1 p.m. The family suggests tributes to the Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants.