Sylvia Sinclair Carr Berking

Berking, Sylvia “Syl” Buell Sinclair Carr of Midlothian, VA died peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2015 after 85 years of living and loving life to the fullest. She was surrounded, both physically and spiritually, by her large, loving family.

Syl was born in Germantown, PA on August 28, 1929. She was raised in the Quaker faith and converted to Catholicism at the age of 19. For the rest of her life, she remained an active seeker in her Christian faith. Syl attended the Westtown School, Greenwich Academy and Bennington College before joining Sheed and Ward Publishing in NYC. She married Stephen K. Carr in 1953 and together they raised their 9 children predominately in Larchmont, NY. In later years she worked in education at the Resurrection Montessori School and the College of New Rochelle. She was also involved in athletics and the arts. She enjoyed field hockey, tennis, sailing, and swimming, including water aerobics. She loved music, guitar playing and dance. She was a crafty card shark and loved puzzles, reading (book clubs and bible study), needlepoint, knitting and watercolor painting.

While Syl accomplished much in life, her greatest love and legacy can be found in her family which included 9 children, 23 grandchildren, 32 nieces and nephews, 4 step children and 8 step grandchildren.

She made being a mother an honorable and enjoyable endeavor. She encouraged us to seek lasting and meaningful friendships. Her circle of family was ever-growing as she generously opened her heart and home to all. We are all grateful for the gift of Life, Laughter and Love that she fostered. Her presence will be sorely missed by all.

Syl is preceded in death by her parents Mary B and John S Sinclair, as well as her sister Mary “Polly” Krakora and her second husband Milo J Berking.

Syl is survived by her nine loving children, Kate (Sandy) Heavenrich of Richmond, VA, Stephen (Debi) Carr of Ojai, CA, Sylvia (Donald) Carr-Rubenstein of Walnut Creek, CA, Dr. Deborah (Paul) Adamy of Nyack, NY, Matthew (Melissa) Carr of Midlothian, VA, Suzy (Christian) Weber of Midlothian, VA, Daniel (Kari Kaalstad) Carr of Fairfield, CT, Elizabeth Carr (Dominick Gennusa) of Mamaroneck, NY, John (Abigail) Carr of New York, NY as well as her brothers David (Susan) Sinclair of Darien, CT and John (Lynn) Sinclair of Bainbridge Island, WA, her first husband Stephen Carr of Pipersville, PA, her 23 grandchildren, her 4 step children and 8 step grandchildren.

Her final years were spent at Spring Arbor of Salisbury. The family would like to thank everyone at Spring Arbor as well as Visiting Angels and At-Home-Hospice Care for giving Syl the dignity and quality of life care we all deserve.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Syl’s life on February 21, 2015 at 11 AM at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, 11000 Smoketree Drive, Richmond, VA 23236 with brief reception to follow. If you wish to send flowers you may contact the Church at 804-794-0222.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations be made to Fox House, a shelter for homeless women and children in Spanish Harlem. Checks may be made payable to "Fox House” in memory of Syl Berking and mailed to: Fox House, 111 East 117th St, NYC, NY. 10035, Tel: 212-534-6634 or visit the website at www.scny.org/ministries/social-services/fox-house.