Sylva McCulloh

Sylva McCulloh was born in Marshall, Illinois, on April 4, 1928, the first child of Charles Willard Haworth and Virginia (Dale) Haworth. When she was 6, her family moved to Des Moines, IA, where Sylva began playing the piano and attended school. When Sylva was 10, her parents bought a piano for her that remained with her. She graduated from Roosevelt High School where she sang in the choir and accompanied the boys’ glee club. She attended Stephens College, in Columbia, MO for 2 years and then matriculated at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, graduating in Music Education, although her outgoing nature and willingness to speak her mind meant that performance was always in her heart.

While attending the University of Iowa, Sylva, a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, met Kenneth E. (Mac) McCulloh, a shy physical chemist, whom she married in December of 1949. A few years after the birth of their son David in Iowa City, Sylva and Mac relocated to the Washington, D.C. area (Arlington, VA and then Bethesda, MD) for Mac’s work at the National Bureau of Standards. In Bethesda, Sylva joined the Sanctuary Choir at Bethesda (United) Methodist Church where she continued for over 5 decades: a mezzo soprano, vocal soloist, piano accompanist for vocalists, instrumentalists and a host of pulpit dramas as well as a performer of intricate double piano with Dorothy Clarke.

Once David was in school, Sylva taught music at Miss Libby’s School in Chevy Chase for eight years until Virginia, Mac and Sylva’s daughter was born. After Virginia began school, Sylva engaged in more musical activities as the piano accompanist for 19 years with the Welcome to Washington Chorus comprising women from families of foreign diplomats, businessmen and World Bank employees.

Sylva was an enthusiastic member of PEO, an organization of women that helps provide educational opportunities for women. She sang in their chorus and served as a chapter president for two terms.

Sylva and Mac loved to vacation in Maine starting in 1956. In 1980, they built a house on Lake Penneseewassee, in Norway, ME. In the 1990’s they began spending entire summers on the lake, and Sylva’s itch to share her talents emerged again as she played piano for services at the historic Norway Center Congregational Church in July and August and for the Second Congregational Church of Norway at other times. Sylva also enjoyed attending chamber music performances at the Deertrees Theater, in Harrison, ME. Her interest and devotion was recognized as she became a Trustee of the Sebago Long Lakes Music Festival at Deertrees Theater.

In 2008, Sylva and Mac moved their winter home from Bethesda to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, MD. At Asbury, Sylva continued her devotion to music by directing frequent “Singalongs” throughout the village, by accompanying instrumental performers from among the residents, and by providing piano accompaniment for several dramatic musicals written/arranged by Phyllis Zeno.

For most of the nearly 17 years she resided at Asbury she continued to share her talents. She read scripture and played piano for services in the Chapel. For decades, Sylva was so effective at sight-reading music that she rarely memorized the music. As she approached her mid-90smacular degeneration compromised her ability to read music, and in her final years she played piano less frequently.

Sylva died peacefully on December 21, 2024. Sylva was predeceased by her younger brother, Charles D. Haworth, and her husband, Kenneth E. McCulloh. She is survived by her children, David H. McCulloh (Ellen), and Virginia D. McCulloh, her grandchildren, Katherine E. McCulloh, Patrick S. McCulloh (Kirsten) and her great granddaughter, Adeline Grace McCulloh, whom she met in early November. She is also survived by sister-in-law Kathryn Haworth, nieces and nephews: Maureen McCulloh Hollmeyer (Alan), Michael McCulloh (Sherrie), Steven Haworth (Ruth), Nancy Haworth Wolf, Marcy Haworth and nieces’ children, Chris (Heather), Scott (Jenn ), Garrett (Gretchen), Elissa and Kayla (Kyle). Sylva treasured time with her family and loved getting together with relatives around the world.

A memorial service will be held in the Guild Chapel at Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg, MD on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1 PM. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to:Asbury Methodist Village Benevolent Care Fund, 201 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877Sebago Long Lakes Music Festival, https://sebagomusicfestival.orgPlanned Parenthood, https://www.weareplannedparenthood.orgor to an animal charity of your choice.