Sylvia was born on February 21, 1935, in Angelica, the daughter of the late James and Onalee Phippen Graham.
She graduated from the former Angelica Central School “Class of 1952”. Sylvia was known for her beautiful voice and she sang at many weddings and events. Her lovely voice always graced the services at St. Paul’s. She was a life-long member of St. Paul’s and served as treasurer for many years, as a vestry member and in the Altar Guild until her death. Sylvia retired in 1997 from Dresser-Rand as the manager of the machine shop. Upon retirement, she turned her energy to getting healthy and she went to the YMCA every day for many years. She credited that effort for her long and active life.
Sylvia was a loving and inspiring mother to her daughter, Cheryl, and taught that commitment to Faith and Family are the most important qualities we hold. Sylvia’s kind and generous heart was reflected in the joy she found in doing for others. She loved to bake for the church, her coworkers and most of all for her nephew. She always surprised him with a few loaves of banana bread or chocolates tucked in his truck. In her later years, Sylvia cherished her home by the creek. She continued to garden and mow her lawn until illness slowed her down. She always had time for a talk and a cup of tea, a very special lady.
She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Brenda Warner; husband, Don Benjamin and brother, Dale Graham. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Beebe (husband, Bill) Rose; her nieces, Becky Graham (husband, Donald) Brooks, Tammy (husband, James Cerullo) Warner; nephews, Daniel (wife, Mary) Warner, Ross (wife, Christine) Graham, Roy (wife, Nichole) Graham and Rich Graham ; her grand-nieces Paige (husband,Scott) Ludtka and Audrey Warner; grand-nephew Curtis Warner; and many beloved family and friends who touched her life.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 31, 1:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Park Circle, Angelica. The Rev. Virginia Tyler Smith will officiate.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Angelica or the Angelica Hose Company. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com of on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.
