Sylvia Elizabeth Vance

Sylvia E. Vance, 92, died on March 1st with her children beside her. Beloved wife of the late Edward S. Vance. Cherished mother of Debbie (the late Tom) McIntyre, Ron, Diane (Harry) South, and Brian. Dear grandmother of Matt (Samantha) South, Tim (Emily) South, Joe (Jenn) McIntyre, Marie McIntyre, Daniel (Brianna) South, Karli Vance and Bridget (Andrew) Tignanelli. Great grandmother of Joanna, Harry, Oliver and Lilliana South. Special sister of the late Louise (Philip) Meyfarth, sister-in-law of the late Lottie (Mike) Hecimovich and their family.

Sylvia was born and raised in southwest Detroit. Growing up in the Lithuanian community she enjoyed singing, playing the piano and she was awarded the title of Miss Lithuania at the age of 16! Always proud of her heritage, Sylvia shared traditional family recipes with her children and grandchildren which they continue to prepare today.

Employed at Cadillac Motor following high school graduation, Sylvia was efficient at her secretarial position. Her organizational skills continued throughout her life as she became a full time homemaker. Happily married for 65 years to Edward, Sylvia treasured family time including annual vacations, holidays, birthdays and milestone celebrations. Precious time included fun at their “Up North” cottage where the 4th of July became a favorite holiday. Sylvia also looked forward to spending winter months in Florida with family and lifelong friends.

Sylvia continued to enjoy singing throughout her life. She was a founding member of the St. Genevieve Choir in Livonia, a member of St. Colette’s Resurrection Choir and traveled with the St. Kenneth Choir on multiple trips to Europe. Along with the choir, she was honored to have had an audience with Pope John Paul II. Other highlights included visiting Fatima and Lourdes which were memorable as Sylvia was a devout Catholic and prayed the rosary daily.

As a lifelong Michigan resident, Sylvia was a loyal Detroit Tigers fan following every game throughout the season. She read the Detroit Free Press daily and also frequently discussed many of the highlights from all of the Michigan sports teams. Sylvia’s love for playing games always included a competitive match of pinochle with family and friends.

Sylvia’s 4 children would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Cedarbrook of Northville for the comfort and special care provided, particularly in the final weeks of her life.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10am (in state 9am) at St. Colette Catholic Church: 17600 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html