Sylvia Spellar

1940-2022

Sylvia Spellar, 81, of Lewiston died Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the Russel Park Manor with family by her side. She was born December 13, 1940, in Auburn, the daughter of Emile J. and Patricia M. (Flynn) Pepin.

She attended Auburn Schools and later in life earned her GED. In earlier years, she worked at local shoe shops and Maine Electronics; more recently she became a CNA and caregiver at Helping Hands, until retiring in her late seventies.

Sylvia married her beloved husband, Philip C. Spellar, on June 29, 1968, and they shared more than 38 wonderful years together, until his passing in 2006.

She loved going to casinos to play the slot machines. She also enjoyed Bingo, reading, music, cats, watching TV (especially her soaps and TLC), shopping, and eating out with friends and family.

Sylvia is survived by her three children: Robert Tanski & his wife, Michele Kosboth, of Ohio, Susan Tanski Miller, of Brunswick, and Jeffery Spellar & his wife, Alyson, of Auburn; her sister, Lucille Giguere, of Greene; six grandchildren: Angela Rose & her husband, Albert, Michael Gagnon, Christopher Miller, Dustin Miller & his wife, Katrin, Alex Tanski & his fiancée, Jackie Lussier, Nicholas Tanski & his wife, Courtney, and Cooper Tanski; two step-grandchildren: Gwendolyn Rose and Kimberly Rose; six great-grandchildren: Taylor Donato, Lilly “Damien” Krajewski, Scott Krajewski, Jr., Lillian Tanski, Olivia Tanski, and Baby Zoe, due to arrive this month; extended family, friends, best friends Maire and Claudette, and all of her TOPS Pals at ME #0270, with whom she had many wonderful times.

She was predeceased by her husband, Phil; her father and mother; and siblings: Joseph, Florence, Georgette, Diane “Louise”, and Paul.

Sylvia’s family would like to thank all her neighbors who helped her out in so many thoughtful ways throughout the years, the very special people at Russell Park Manor, particularly the ones who attended to her in her final days, and her roommate at Russel Park, Stephanie, who quickly became a cherished friend.

A Catered Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 11th from 11am to 2 pm at the Fortin Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s name to the American Lung Association or to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com