Sylvia Jean Marie Fletcher Hamel

Sylvia Hamel was born in St. Albans, Vermont on July 6, 1942. At the time of her death, she and her husband Ron had resided in Brownsville, Texas for 25 years. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Everyone who knew Sylvia commented on her beautiful, contagious smile. A counselor by nature and profession, she offered love and support to countless people over her lifetime. She also enjoyed interior design and decorative painting. Ron said that if you stood still for too long, you may get painted. She and Ron had 48 fantastic years together adventuring in bicycling, US travel, camping, motorcycling, cruising and enjoying family and life to the fullest.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her mother Vivian Toof and her father Vernon Fletcher.

Sylvia is survived by her husband Ron Hamel, her brother Garth Fletcher, her children Don Jacques (Yvonne), Ronnie Jacques and Geniene Harris (Gerard), as well as stepchildren Renee Threet, Matthew Hamel and Ronald Hamel, her grandchildren Monique (Robert), Abby (Eric), Cameron (Megan), Danielle (Richard) and Seth (Casey), as well as step grandchildren, her great grandchildren Elijah, Autumn, Findley, Daphne, Dakota, Nolan, Ruth, Jace, Alec, Mila, as well as step great grandchildren.

After a series of strokes that left Sylvia paralyzed and speechless, Ron accepted that he had a new job as a caretaker. His devotion was evident to anyone witnessing his determination to see that she received the best possible care. During her eight years at the nursing home, he remained by her side daily. His words below speak to his immense love for her: "Sylvia, my beloved wife, my life is measured in my memories with you. You have been a God given treasure in my life that exceeds all else."

Her son, Don shared: "My mom was a loving mother. She was always an encourager and cared for us on her own for many years. As a young child I always looked forward to our pizza/movie nights together. She taught me to cook eggs and cookies (The essentials! Haha!) I will always feel my mother's love."

Her daughter, Geniene shared: "My mom never knew a stranger and her beautiful smile drew people to her. After accepting Christ at thirty seven years old, she wanted every person she met to know the love of Christ and shared that message without fear of rejection. It was more important to her that they knew the everlasting saving grace of Christ's love. I admired her for being an amazing person and that she was my mom. I love her so much!"