Sylvia Pinckard Ferreyra was a fearless and tender woman with an open heart to family and community. Her Catholic faith was paramount; she studied the bible and took part in church activities such as the Sisters of Faith. She was civically engaged throughout her life being an active member of the PTA, writing letters to legislators, and participating in charity events. She loved animals and always had dogs and cats in her home. Horses were perhaps her favorite animal, and the Redwings Horse Sanctuary was her favorite charity.
Born on October 22, 1939 in Shreveport Louisiana, she spent her first six years being nurtured by the love of her Grandmother. She frolicked through the hills of rural Texas with her Aunt Penny (2 years older) who was like a sister and was her partner in mischief. She was then raised by her Mother and stepdad (navy man), making their homes in various US communities, from Virginia to Astoria, Oregon where Sylvia rollerskated by the surf of the Pacific Ocean. The highlight of her childhood was becoming a big sister to Beverly who she loved and doted on. A smart and empathic girl, she embraced the power of storytelling through writing and expressive poetry which continued throughout her life. She was an avid music fan and loved going out dancing and to concerts in her early years. In the 1970’s, Sylvia courageously raised two disabled children alone at a time when there was no support for single mothers or disabled persons. She then met the love of her life, John Ferreyra, with whom she had her third child.
Sylvia was a loving wife and best friend to John for five decades. She had a HUGE sweet tooth and spoiled him with her delicious desserts. They loved gardening together, traveling, playing games, and watching action movies from their twin easy chairs. Sylvia was a loving Mom, strong role model, and doting Nana. She is survived by her husband John, daughters Susan Marie, Nancy Anne and Kimberly Dawn, grandsons Gage Jeffery John and Luis, mother Margaret Mangham, and sister Beverly Rogers.
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