Sylvia L Stefans

Sylvia L. Stefans, 91, passed away at home on July 14, 2013, following a long illness. She was born in Rochester, New York, on February 18, 1922, the first of three daughters, to Lorine and John M. Stefans. She was a student at East High School in Rochester. In her senior year, she moved to Glendale, Calif. where she graduated from Herbert Hoover High School.

She returned to Rochester after taking a year’s tutoring job with Boller Clark Insurance. Several years later, she transferred to Public Service Mutual Insurance where she was Branch Office Supervisor for nearly twenty years.

California sunshine called again and she returned to Glendale where she worked for several insurance agencies before being employed for ten years with State Farm Insurance.

Sylvia was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ventura for thirty years. Her great love was music and she sang in the church choir for many years until ill health prevented her from continuing.

Her spare time was often spent listening to piano music, bowling in a league and playing golf.

She was a member of local organizations such as: League of Women Voters, Poinsettia Federated Republican Women, Associated Museums Club, Santa Paula AARP, Ventura Genealogy Club and Ventura County Maritime Museum. Sylvia gave many hours of volunteer work to the Maritime Museum and to Shop Ahoy Elder Pride.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorine S. and John M. Stefans; nieces, Cynthia Bachofer and Susan Kurtz Harless; and brother-in-law, David Kurtz.

Sylvia leaves behind her sisters, Ruth Bachofer (Erwin) and Beverly Kurtz, all of Ventura. She was much loved and will be missed by her nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Kurtz, B. Garrison Kurtz and Steve Bachofer (Marian); great nieces, Alyssa Kurtz, Ariana Kurtz, Marissa Bell; great nephews, Cameron Joy-Kurtz, Mark Bachofer and David Bachofer; and great-great nieces, Mia and Giana.

A private graveside service for Sylvia will be held at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 10 AM with the Pastor Dave Hall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may donate to the music department of Trinity Lutheran Church, 196 Ashwood Ave. Ventura, CA 93003 or Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Assoc. and Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ventura, CA 93003.

Words cannot adequately express the thanks to hospice caregivers Suzanne, Jackie, Nancy, Kenny, Jane, Mercy and others who were so kind and generous with their care of Sylvia during her last months.

A very special thank you to Carol Crist, who was a guardian angel when we needed one most.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.