Sylvia was born and raised in Rumford Maine, the daughter of Leonide (Blackie) and Muriel Arsenault. Sylvia graduated from Stephens High School in 1965, where she was an active member of the ski team and chorus. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington Maine and later a master’s degree in Reading from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.
Sylvia met the love of her life, Jim, in Hawaii while he was serving in the US Navy. As the story goes, she went to Hawaii for six weeks of summer school and never came home. The adventure turned into a lifetime together, and the two were married on April 7, 1973.
Throughout her career, Sylvia was a dedicated teacher, spending many years at Banner School in Frederick, where she touched countless young lives before retiring in 2007. After Jim’s retirement in 2008, the couple returned to Maine to begin the next chapter of their life together.
Back home in Maine, Sylvia continued to give generously of her time and talents. She served as secretary for the Silver Lake Camp Owners Association and worked as a Reading Specialist for Region 9 in Mexico, Maine, where she helped adults strengthen their reading skills—work she found deeply meaningful. Sylvia was also a proud member of the Holy Savior Choir. She loved to dance, had a passion for skiing and scuba diving, and cherished every adventure with her beloved “traveling girls.” Whether on safari with Jim or Italy with the “girls”, she was the consummate tour guide and tourist.
Sylvia was a devoted friend to a treasured circle of lifelong companions, and her humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty will be remembered by all who knew her. She lived her life such that if anyone said something bad about her, no one would believe them.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Wendt; her sons, Andrew J. Wendt (Leeann) and Michael R. Phillips (Michelle); her granddaughters, Jessica R. Hobbs (Nathan) and Heather R. Phillips; her great-grandson, Carson Hobbs; and her brother, Dave Arsenault (Sally), along with uncles Gerard, Leo, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sylvia’s long-time caregiver, Kathy Gurney, and to the compassionate staff of Andwell Home & Hospice Care for their dedicated support.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 3 - 6 pm at Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11 am at St Athanasius Church, 126 Maine Ave Rumford.
Burial in the Maine Veterans' Cemetery, Mt Vernon Road, Augusta will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at alz.org.
