My dear sweet sister Sylvia,
   Words are inadequate to describe the impact you have made on those around you.  What I remember most about you is that you were always positive and encouraging.  Like everyone else, you had bad days, hardships even, but they didn't define you.  Your sweet,  warm personality and ever-present smile always lit up the room and lightened the mood.  When we were in high school, and later at BYU, you were always ready to have fun and enjoy the company of those around you, especially if it was family. 
   Your family was your greatest love and continues to bear witness of the loving home you and John created and the love with which you raised Jason and Amy.  That circle of love expanded to include Kim and Mario and all of your precious grandchildren.  The greatest example of that shared love is the care you received from John and your children.  
   I am grateful for your generous heart and loving spirit that opened up your home to me and gave me a safe landing spot when I returned from my mission.  You and John provided support and encouragement and gave me the opportunity to be in a positive social setting.  I will be forever grateful to you for blessing my life at that time.  
   I am sad that you are gone, too soon, but my heart is glad to know that in another sphere you shine on, brightening the existence of those around you just like you did here on earth.  I love you and look forward to the day that we will see each other again.  I love you! Irma

Sweet Beautiful Amazing Sylvia, we are all better people simply by  knowing you and for having been in your presence. You always were a breath of fresh air and encouraged everyone you met to be the very best version of themselves. You continually gave unconditionally of yourself no matter how busy you were. You loved and adored your beautiful children Jason,  Amy and their spouses Kim and Mario and you treasured their incredible babies like no other Grandma. I remember how you lit up, gleaming with excitement when each of your grandchildren were born and you were so excited for them to enter this world and couldn't wait to spoil them. You were the most devout,loving wife I have ever known and John showed you and all of us how to be an amazing, supportive,caring spouse as he took care of you these last ten years. You always made the time for EVERYONE and ANYONE you knew, no matter who they were. You loved unconditionally with the biggest heart I have ever known. Sylvia, you were all of these  amazing qualities everywhere you went and you shared of yourself selflessly with everyone you met. You always had an infectious smile and sense of calm that was contagious and inspirational. You never said a bad word about ANYONE in all of the 35 years I have known you and you always had a hopeful Spirit towards any situation you encountered. We are devastated by the passing of you here on Earth, but we KNOW Heaven just gained the most beautiful, incredible, amazing Angel EVER and we KNOW you will be watching over and guiding every member of your family from Heaven. We will think of you every time we see a Butterfly fly by, hear the buzzz of an angelic Hummingbird, view the incredible Sun rise, witness the Sun set, smell the fresh Rain, when we hear children laugh and when we see a new baby be born. We will be thinking of you and loving you from afar, but know we will eternally be loving you and  longing to be with you again. Eternally in Love, Steve & Erin Gibson

My precious sister, 

Since being the youngest sister, I always looked- up to you.
 I wanted to be just like you Sylvia. These are few of the things I treasure and keep in my locket engraved in my heart. These are 
 un-forgettable treasured moments:

We laughed when reminiscing about how when I was about 9 or 10 yrs. old, without your permission… from your closet I took your green wool skirt which I had to roll x3 at the waste over my shorts and  your green suede shoes and wore them to school.  I was feeling older and  so beautiful at school wearing your adorable outfit. Upon returning home from school, I hid the skirt and shoes in neighbors bushes not knowing...that the neighbor was going to turn on the sprinklers. Let’s just say, the outcome was not good for the skirt, shoes or me…the skirt smelled like a little "doggie" for weeks and the  toes curled-up like elf shoes. I thought you would never let me in your room or talk to me but, being the warm kind person that you are... you forgave me…and here we were having a hearty laugh years later.

Remember when we attended  Stephanie's baby shower in Ohio and you and I were assigned to set the luncheon tables... someone put on a song  by" Lauryn Hill", and you started to dance. You always had good rhythm, I said, "look at you dancing," you replied, " You can never waste good music"... I live by those words...if it speaks to the heart...dance like if nobody is watching!
These is some of many funny moments and memories that I shared with you my dear sister.
My amazing loving sister, I witnessed with admiration; a loving, caring, selfless, intelligent, humorous, compassionate sister with always full of song in your heart. 

You left a trail of “Sparkle” in my heart.  I love you, and I am honored to call you my “Sister.”  

Vicky.

 




 My precious sister, 
Since being the youngest sister, I always looked- up to you I wanted to be just like you Sylvia. These are few of the things I treasure and keep in my locket engraved in my heart. 
I loved the goals you set for yourself not only professional but, fun and adventuresome; how many San Francisco Nutcracker Ballets you could attended and the San Francisco Bay to Breakers Run…I joined you in some of these events but, I lost count but, yet you continued! Remembering the time you had brought “red noses like clowns” for all of us to wear on Bart public transportation, on the way to a Christmas Nutcracker Ballet. You always had so much fun where there was music and dance coupled with lots of laughter! 
 Your un-conditional love for family, friends and neighbors; always there to give a helping hand and a kind word. It was no secret, known through-out the medical facility where we both worked at, that you were “the go to person” helping either employees that you supervised or other co-workers helping them with presentations for office meetings or even mock interviews, which I also was a recipient of your knowledge and generosity. I so appreciate it! Always sharing your knowledge, and inspiring others to be strong and meet their potential.  You are such a leader with humility and grace.
The love of your family; John, Jason, Kim, Jinger, Amy, Mario, Matthew, Michael, Marco and Mason … “this is your happy place” always caring and sharing wonderful stories about them. You spoke always so proud of their accomplishments. Loving all the precious moments you spent with them. “Your John,” as you dearly called him… took such loving care and tender care of you. We will always be grateful for such a blessing and labor of love.
My amazing loving sister, I witnessed with admiration; a loving, caring, selfless, intelligent, humorous, compassionate sister,
You left a trail of “Sparkle” in my heart.  I love you, and I am honored to call you my sister.

My dear sweet sister Sylvia ~ 
Where do I begin..I love you! I love you for your example of Christlike love not only towards me but everyone you came in contact with!

 Your tender care and concern for others was done quietly.  Never seeking for accolades or pats on the back..just loving to help others in any way great or small.

Nothing brought you greater joy than your family! Your love for John your husband, children Jason and Kim, Amy and Mario, and grandchildren showed in your face when ever you spoke about them or were around them! They are the crowning jewels in your life, precious above all else!

I love you for spending time with me! I love you for including me in your “adventures” to NewYork, Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Niagara Falls! I will cherish the little charms we bought during each trip to remind us of our fun times!

But most importantly I love you for being my sister! I love you forever!!
Marina

My sweet sister Sylvia, a spiritual being with God given gifts and talents , always seeking to help others during her life. Sylvia's pure expression of love for her family was always one  of giving of herself.  She was patient, sharing, teaching, hugs, kisses, always showing pure love to her dear husband John, their children, Jason and Amy.  Along with their daughter-in-law Kim, and son-in-law Mario.  Sylvia's greatest joy and enjoyment was definitely her grandchildren, spending time with them,  watching them learn about themselves, their potential and just the purest level of happiness for her.  Sylvia's expression of love for others, never wavered.  In her personal and professional life she willingly served all, never thought about herself, nor receiving any reward.
During our childhood, my sweet sister Sylvia, taught by example, she was 5 years older, and taught me my multiplication tables and made me practice in front of a mirror to prepare for my test the next day.  She had faith in me.  Sylvia had faith in every single person that needed help, from her family,  to her extended family,  including friends, neighbors, every-day friends at her bank, grocery store, church members, and work colleagues. 
My sweet sister Sylvia, fulfilled her full spiritual potential by  lovingly serving  and sharing the purest love for her amazing family.  As earthly brothers and sisters we too are very  blessed to have been part of Sylvia's life and receive her love. 
My sweet sister Sylvia is  now free from the physical limitations of this life.  I love you, Sylvia.           Yoli.

OBITUARY

Sylvia R. Townsend

2 April, 1948 – 25 January, 2021

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services