Dakota Lynn Sylvia

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Joshua Sylvia and Melody Anne Affonce.

Dakota was a graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, class of 2018, and attended Salem State College and Bristol Community College.

She had worked in the field of welding and metal fabrication as well as Taco Bell and Dominos.

From the day she was born, Dakota had to fight for life. She was a FIERCE warrior that faced a multitude of health challenges with a bravery I could never match and will always be proud of. She was a loyal friend, a loving daughter and a compassionate animal advocate. (Her last words to her mother? “Take care of my rats.” True story.) Once you pierced her tough outer shell, you were rewarded with a beautiful, caring, empathetic heart that loved you completely. She was an avid reader, taking inspiration from the world of Harry Potter and Avatar the Last Air Bender. Music brought her joy and solace. K Pop and everything Korean were her obsession since middle school; her trips to New York to see BTS and Got7 being highlights of her brief life. She was a die-hard Tim Burton fan and, in true Dakota fashion, left us to become our very own Nightmare Before Christmas.

Surviving in addition to her parents are her siblings, Meadow Sylvia, Lucas Sylvia and Arya Sylvia; her maternal grandmother, Michele Affonce; her paternal grandfather, Donald Sylvia and wife Rosemary; her paternal grandmother, Vivian Freitas; her uncles and aunt, Derek Affonce, Kenneth Affonce, Shaun Sylvia and Titi Alexis Lonewolf; beloved friend Sammie Abdallah. She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Kenneth Affonce.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 5-8pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Serious Fun Network, 230 East Ave., Suite 107, Norwalk, CT 06855 or www.seriousfun.org.

“Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving you will come to a better place.” – Uncle Iroh