Sylvia H. Dayka

Born in Germany in 1942, Sylvia immigrated to the United States in 1963, beginning a new chapter as an American citizen. She first made her home in Buffalo, New York, before moving to Sunset Beach in 1986 with her beloved husband, Raymond J. Dayka.

Sylvia dedicated many years to her work in admissions at Grand Strand Hospital until her retirement. She was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren, and her love for family was the cornerstone of her life. Sylvia cherished her German heritage and maintained a close bond with her sister Annemarie—affectionately known as “Cara”—with whom she shared a lifelong nickname tradition inspired by German movie stars.

She is survived by her son, Christopher P. Pelletier; daughter, Lisa M. (Pelletier) Brown, and her husband, W. Boyd Brown, Jr.; grandchildren, Joshua Brown and Lauren Brown; sister, Annemarie Briezia, and brother-in-law, Dieter; niece, Simone Briezia, and her husband, Georg—all of Bottrop, Germany; as well as cousins in Germany and Australia.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Ernst and Hildegard Freihofer, and her husband, Raymond J. Dayka.

Sylvia loved her life in the United States but always held a special place in her heart for her family in Germany. She will be remembered for her warmth, devotion, and enduring love for those closest to her.

There will be no public service at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Horry County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 51872, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29579, in Sylvia’s honor.

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River is serving the family.