Sylvia is survived by her son John Liffert & his wife Caitlin, her son George C. Liffert & his wife Kimberly, her daughter Jane Ramey & husband Ron, her daughter Kathy Cummings & her husband Jay and her son Andrew Liffert & his wife Julie. Additionally, Sylvia is survived by her grandchildren for whom she loved dearly; Kelly, Kathryn, Nicholas, Noah, Jaclyn, Bridget, Jeremy, Heather & Samantha; along with her recently welcomed into the world great grandson Liam. Sylvia is preceded in death by her late husband of 48 years George W. Liffert, her parents Warren & Helen Sweeney from Lilly Pennsylvania, her dear sister Bertha Krumenaker from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and her beloved dog Lizzie.
Sylvia was born on July 12th in Johnstown Pennsylvania to Warren & Helen Sweeney She graduated high school in 1952; and soon after moved to Pittsburgh to be closer to her sister. Sylvia married George in 1956, whom she had met while working at the airport in Pittsburgh where George was a flight instructor. Sylvia and George moved to the Washington DC Metro Area in the mid-late 1960’s; finally settling in Clifton Virginia where she would live most of her life. Upon raising her children, Sylvia found joy and purpose working for several organizations to include Wells Fargo, The State of Virginia, INOVA and her most enjoyable role for 15+ years w/Catholic Charities in Burke & Arlington Virginia. At Catholic Charities Sylvia worked in their adoption office, as she loved kids & had a playful wit with the children and families that would frequently visit their office in Burke Virginia.
Sylvia was an avid reader and loved crime stories & romance novels alike. She was a fan of NFL football, especially fond of her Washington Football Team. Sylvia loved to shop, as she would have several weekend trips with her dear friend Janie Srock to the outlet malls all over Virginia, Maryland & Delaware. Sylvia was so very friendly and no matter where she was, she would make quick friends who would always comment about how much she was beloved. Sylvia was loyal, compassionate, and admirably tough. Sylvia had a passion for animals, particularly dogs. She would often make the statement “I always feel bad for neglected animals, and I donate to animal rescue organizations because the animals cannot speak up for themselves”.
A private funeral is scheduled for 1130AM on March 9th, 2024, at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church/Chapel located at 5612 Ox Road Fairfax Station VA 22039 with a burial to follow at 230PM via Fairfax Memorial Park on Braddock Road in Fairfax Virginia; A reception location will be announced on the day of services for those who do attend the church/burial services. The reception will run from 12:30 – 2:00 & again from 3:00-6:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to A Forever Home Rescue Foundation, PO Box 222801, Chantilly, VA 20153 or aforeverhome.org. Condolences can be sent to PO BOX 40640 Arlington VA 22204. For additional questions/details please contact Mrs.’s Liffert’ s son John or Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield VA. 22151
A deep & sincere thank you to the Luyun & Pagulayan families, the entire team at the Jefferson in Arlington VA & her medical doctors at Neuro-DC and Annandale Family Medicine. Each of you & your teams truly comforted, protected, and enhanced Sylvia’s life so very much.