Sylvia Ann Flaga

Sylvia was born on January 29, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Joseph and Stella Borg.

Growing up in Detroit, she loved reading books of all kinds, from classic literary works and historical or archaeological studies to her favorite romance paperbacks.

Instilled with a strong value for reading, academics, and the pursuit of knowledge, Sylvia graduated from Marygrove College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and received a full academic scholarship to Wayne State University, where she completed a Master’s Degree in English.

Her passion for teaching poured over to everything she did. Including teaching her children how to make the perfect Slurpee.

After a 1st blind date with Leslie, which landed him in the hospital emergency room, they were later married on August 1, 1964. Affectionately, she was nicknamed “Jinx”.

Sylvia and Leslie were one of the original founding members of St. Ronald’s Parrish in Clinton Township, MI. She always demonstrated her love for others by getting involved in a variety of causes. For many years, she was a children’s catechism teacher where she could share her love for the Bible and its teachings. Later, she volunteered through various committees (including Christian Services), charities, and fundraising events to help those in need.

Sylvia was gainfully employed with Warren Consolidated Schools. Her career started in the night school program as a business teacher. Later, she would become instrumental in setting up a business center that offered a variety of secretarial and clerical courses. She proudly became the Adult & Community Education Facilitator and Coordinator where she worked closely with the Michigan Education Association, until her retirement in 2000.

When she wasn’t reading a book, you could find her watching one of her beloved musical films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her favorites included Rosalie, Easter Parade, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, The Maltese Falcon, White Christmas, and, of course, Singin’ In the Rain.

Sylvia’s infectious laugh and sense of humor was well known among her family and friends and was sometimes accompanied with a glass of wine. She never met a bottle (or box) of wine she didn’t like.

Her greatest achievement was her children. She was proud of their accomplishments and always willing to help them pursue their dreams. She regularly blamed them for her grey hair but often joyously said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way” while she was getting her hair colored. Although she did not have grandchildren of her own, she was thrilled to have cats, dogs, hot rods, and classic cars (especially convertibles) to enjoy and spoil.

Sylvia is survived by her loving children: Laura (Jeffrey) Hope and Jeffery Flaga; her adored grand puppies: Payton, Avery, Dolce, and Abbey; as well as many family members from around the world, and friends whom she cherished.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Flaga; son, Derek Flaga; and several fur babies including Snoopy, Griggs, Princess, Brandy, Gremlin, Brittney, Bailey, and Licorice.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 2pm-8pm at Kaul Funeral Home - 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp, MI. Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 10:30am, with an instate prior at 10am, at St Ronald Catholic Church - 17701 15 Mile Rd, Clinton Township, MI. Sylvia will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Twp following the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven in memory of Sylvia Flaga.