Sylvia K. Meisels

Sylvia married Gerry in 1958—the love of her life. Their deep bond was admired by many, and together they built a rich, joyful life.

In 1959, they bought their first Westie puppy whose sire just won Best in Show at Westminster. Sylvia’s greatest passion was breeding and showing dogs which led to over 65 Westie champions, including numerous Number One and Top Ten ranked dogs. Their legacy includes multiple Best in Show winners in both the United States and China. They co-founded the West Highland White Terrier Club of Southeast Texas and were leaders in the Florida Suncoast West Highland White Terrier Club. Sylvia also served as a respected judge and as an AKC Delegate.

They also bred and showed multiple Group and Best in Show winning Norwich Terriers. They mentored many people in breeding and showing Westies and Norwich. They also owned and showed Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, a Standard Poodle, a Shih Tzu, and a Maltese. She was a great groomer. Their love of showing extended to horses, owning a Morgan and showing Arabians.

Gerry and Sylvia shared a love of boating and world travel, exploring countries on five continents. She cherished art, history, and gardening, once showing roses competitively. She also worked to protect wildlife and help rescue abused animals.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, her only daughter, Laura, her two granddaughters - Michelle Lambers and Melissa Tapia, and her great grandchildren Eliana and Isaiah Lambers.

A funeral service for Sylvia will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 2:30 PM at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 U.S. Highway 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812.