Sylvia Smith

She was born May 2, 1938 in Peoria to Herb and Salli (Schmied) Gilmore. She married Charles Smith on September 23, 1961 in East Peoria, IL.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Michelle (Gary) Keil of Chillicothe, IL, and Kevin (Beth) Smith of Harker Heights, TX; her grandson Danny (Linsey) Cysewski of Deerfield, IL; her great-grandson, Nicholas, of Deerfield; and her beloved cat, Pixie.

Her husband and her parents preceded her in death.

Sylvia graduated from Limestone High School in 1956, and went on to attend Illinois State and Bradley Universities for a time before marrying Chuck and starting her family.

She was an active, long-time member of Parkview United Church of Christ, where she made many friends and volunteered in many church activities.

Sylvia held a variety office positions at Caterpillar, Inc., retiring from the company in 2000 after 25 years of service. Upon her retirement, she devoted herself to caring for her ailing mother until her (Salli’s) death.

She was a devoted daughter, wife and mother who loved her Lord and her family including, of course, her cats. She also enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and line dancing (and other pursuits) at her home at Lutheran Hillside Village. She especially enjoyed her recent trips to Europe, Big Bend National Park in Texas, and Hawaii.

Sylvia is remembered by her family and long-time friends as a grand lady who formed precious and lasting relationships, and as someone who faced tremendous challenges with strength, dignity, faith and grace.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013, also at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation.

Please visit Sylvia’s story at www.davison-fulton.com