Sylvia Ann Beardsley

She was born on April 14, 1948 in Hancock, Michigan, to George Beardsley and Magdalen Knapstein and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Pius XI High School in Milwaukee; received a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. On Sept. 21, 1984, she married the love of her life, Lawrence Neargarder, at St. Mary of Vernon Church in Indian Creek, Illinois. Sylvia and Larry were married for 33 years and had previously lived in Ingleside, Libertyville and Wadsworth.

Sylvia was a retired librarian from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Sylvia loved to read and loved to learn new things. She played the piano and supported local performing arts venues, including the Marriott Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Sylvia loved animals and supported many animal rights and rescue groups, especially Midwest Beagle Rescue Education & Welfare (BREW). Sylvia was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Sylvia enjoyed crafts and was a talented knitter and seamstress. Sylvia had traveled the world, first with her mother and then with her husband. A wall in her home was decorated with photographs from her travels.

Sylvia was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and volunteered her time in various ministries. Sylvia embraced being a grandmother and supported her step-grandchildren in all their endeavors. Sylvia was a thoughtful and giving friend and family member, and she will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her step-daughter, Melissa, her step-grandchildren, many cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sylvia’s memory can be made to the beagle rescue group BREW through gotbeagles.org.

A visitation for Sylvia will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Marsh Funeral Home (305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL). A memorial service will then occur at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Beardsley family.