Sylvia Alice Vince

Sylvia was born in Escanaba, Michigan to Rev. Gerald and Martha Bowen on March 16, 1951. The family traveled down the state, stopping to heal churches until they reached Leslie, Michigan where Sylvia attended Leslie High School. She met Robert Vince, and they were married in October 1969 and moved to Carson City-Crystal. When Robert’s teaching career ended with the military draft, Sylvia happily traveled with him to see the world and start their family. Creating a household in Italy and Scotland, Sylvia returned to the States when Robert shifted military careers. She found herself moving from Illinois to South Carolina and Robert’s retirement brought the family back to Michigan where they stayed until their final days together.

Sylvia will always be remembered for her service and giving heart by all the people she has touched over so many years. From volunteering in her children’s schools to Sunday School lessons and Vacation Bible School to later helping at her local nursing home with countless hours spent decorating for Christmas and other holidays. Smiles and joy were brought to so many faces when they saw her Christmas trees and bulletin boards. Mittens and scarves were knitted for classrooms in need of outdoor protection. Quilts and sensory blankets were created for those in need or those to be remembered. Sylvia found a home for her baby blankets in Shared Pregnancy, an organization that gifted each new baby with a blanket. Over 2000 blankets were made and donated along with many projects for Hospice and churches around the Lansing area. She was always the care giver and will always be remembered for her love and compassion.

Sylvia is survived by her three children, Michelle (Michael) Pirner, Colin (Diane) Vince and Suzanne (Anthony) Knapp; grandchildren, Logan Vince, Dominic Knapp and Ethan Vince; and many extended family and friends.

A casual celebration of life will be held at 2|42 Community Center | Lansing Campus on July 13 from 2:00

to 4:00 PM.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shared Pregnancy in honor of Sylvia’s volunteering legacy