Sylvia R. (Balletto) Blamires, 86, was among the youngest of seven sisters and a brother. With a family so large, there was always excitement and something happening. At one point her brother decided to bring home a wild raccoon, and claim it as a pet. Her father did not like the idea of having an untamed animal as a pet, so the raccoon had to go.
The family dogs name was Buster, and Sylvia would enjoy telling how he would carry packages home from the corner store, but never try to consume any of the contents. Growing up in Providence, RI was much different 50 years ago and Sylvia along with her sisters would walk to St. Mary's Catholic School. Sylvia would always tell the story of how one Nun asked her about her brother being connected to the MAFIA in front of the class and when her mother found out about the Catholic's schools behavior, she went directly to school to address the stubborn comment.
Sylvia dreamed of one day becoming an airline attendant. She said growing up in a crowded house and dealing with so much commotion would be a perfect fit working for a major airline. Another favorite story of Sylvia's was when she, along with her sister Jone, smuggled themselves into the Providence Performing Arts Center. The theater attendant chased them up and down the halls until they both exited out a different fire exit to escape.
Sylvia and Jones trouble did not end with the theater and workplace. Jone discovered a way to pick the lock on their older sisters door. This locked door was the gateway for all the shoes, makeup and money that any teenager would die for. Well the action started when her older sister Anna found out about Jone and Sylvia's hairpin key. Anna was beating up Sylvia, before a neighbor stopped the clash.
Sylvia along with her sisters and friends liked to hang out at the local soda fountain shop where young people danced to the corner juke box and many dates started from here. When Sylvia met Earl, he asked Sylvia if he could borrow five dollars and that he would pay her back promptly. The next day Earl made good on his promise and paid Sylvia back only four dollars. This small loan story lasted a lifetime and was retold many times.
Earl and Sylvia married soon after that, because he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. To ensure Sylvia that Earl was always thinking of her, he painted Sylvia on both fenders of his Hudson; Hornet. Sylvia would always talk about this car because when Earl's brother sold it when he was deployed and both Earl and Sylvia were always resentful of this act throughout the years.
Earl and Sylvia marriage lasted 54 years along with 5 children. Her true calling was that of motherhood. In fact, this preferred pursuit made every child self sufficient and prepared all of us for life. Being prepared for lives journey is what every mother should do, because with the support of love and care every child needs to navigate life. There was one time when Earl cooked meatballs without Sylvia's guidance. Those meatballs were hard as rocks and Sylvia reminded Earl never to step into the kitchen again.
The most happy time of their marriage was upon Earls retirement. Both Earl and Sylvia traveled across country four times. Sylvia's greatest trip was visiting Graceland, "Elvis's Home" the King of Rock. This time pointed out that the long road of marriage was solid, the children were grown and it was now our time. A journey well earned and a time just for the two of them, no alarm clocks or babysitting duty.
The biggest set back for her was the passing of Earl, too many operations mixed with a mixture of medication had taken its toll on old Earl. The light of her life was gone and Sylvia would always say, "God lights a flame when you are born and it is blown out at lives end. I believe that Sylvia died not from age or any other medical problem, but of a broken heart. You see Earl and Sylvia's marriage was the glue of love that kept their relationship strong and their family solid. Both were the best parents anyone could ever wish for. We will all be forever connected and linked to the family we came from and lives long road that took us there. A journey with both a compass and map that offers no clear destination only a blurred and smoky view.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday at 10:00am in the Trinity Episcopal Church, 249 Danielson Pike, North Scituate. Burial to follow in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston. For online condolences, visit www.romanofuneralhome.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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