On Thursday, September 15, Sylvia passed away peacefully after a short illness. She was surrounded by all of her children Rae (Barb), Denise and Renee. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Harvey.
She was born in Livingston and graduated from Clyde Park High School. Shortly after graduation she met and married Harvey, the love of her life. They moved to Helena and started their family. After moving to Clancy, Sylvia worked at Hillbrook Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide, which inspired her to continue her education becoming an LPN. She worked at Hillbrook until 1987 then Fort Harrison VA Hospital where she retired in 2012 after 25 years.
Both Sylvia and Harvey emphasized the power of education and set high expectations and a strong work ethic for their children. Sylvia believed in dependability and serving others.
Sylvia was an avid and passionate bowler. She bowled at least three times a week and traveled across the country to compete in several national tournaments. Her bowling friends became a part of her extended family. In the early years Sylvia and Harvey loaded the family up, including Smokey the dog, for camping and “gold mining” trips. After Harvey’s retirement they spent time on their pontoon boat creating fond memories and telling wild fishing tales. Sylvia named herself the Captain and not to be outdone, Harvey deemed himself Admiral.
Sylvia was not just a Mom to her three children but also to her brothers and sisters, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who all called her Sis. In the family she was known for her great cooking and hosting holiday and summer gatherings. Family potluck events always included her baked beans and homemade rolls.
Sylvia is survived and will be missed by her three children, Rae Bailey (Barb), Denise Jonke (Fred), Renee Bailey, her step-children Penny Jacobson (Andy), and Debbie Hust (Albert), and her two grandchildren Claire and Evie Bailey. She is also survived by her sisters Patty Frederick (Mike), Barb Jenkins (Ivan), and her brother Mike Henwood as well as cousins and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara (Botz) Squeri, Michael, Dean and Kevin says
$ear Rae, Denise and Renee,
So sad your mom passed and at such a young age. She was a great neighbor and you three were wonderful kids to have as neighbors. Had fun Times together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Barbara
Lavina A. Semmler says
Dear Rae, Denise and Renee,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with your Mom at Fort Harrison V.A. Hospital for all of her 25 years. She was a wonderful person and an excellent LPN. It was an honor to work with her. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. May you rest in peace Sylvia.
Tracy Henwood says
Dear Rae,Denise and Renee I’m so sorry to hear to hear about Aunt Sylvia. It’s been awhile since I saw her, it was at my Dads your uncle George’s memorial in 1996. I remember her more when I was little and we would visit in the summer. I have great memories of those visits. She’ll be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this sad time. Loveracy your cousin Tracy.
Loreen S. says
Sylvia was one of the hardest working LPNs I ever worked with and she had a hard core work ethic. She ran circles around people half her age and made no beans about setting people straight. She once told a nurse to get off their dead ass and she took the words right out of my mouth but would never speak it LOL. She was one super funny lady and I so adored her. I loved everything about her and one of the funniest stories in my career was one she told me. I’ll never forget her wonderful smile, big heart and her mama bear love. She was dear to me and surely she is loved and missed. May God bless her children and family.
Kathy Fehr says
Dear Rae, Denise and Renee I worked with you Mom for 15 years in the surg clinic. I feel as if I know the 3 of you from all the funny stories she told of you. I can’t tell you how proud she was of all 3 of you, you meant the world to her as did her whole family. She will be missed and thought of often. Bless you Kathy Fehr
Chandra Lillemoen says
Just learned of Sylvia’s passing. She was such a wonderful person that I remember fondly working with at Fort Harrison. I loved her sense of humor and she was a great nurse! RIP dear Sylvia and my prayers are with her family and friends.
Vicki Kroll says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Sylvia. Spent many hours working with her at Hillbrook. I know that you will all miss her terrrilly, but she is at peace now, and watching wver you.
Sharon Holmquist Mercado Peterson says
Dear Sylvia’s family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was one of Sylvia’s teacher in her Practical Nursing class. She was a great student and worked hard.. I also worked with her years later at the VA. She was a great LPN and always had a great work ethic and took great care of her patients. I’m sure you miss her so much as she was still young and had lots to give. May God comfort you with your loss. MY thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sorry I didn’t post this earlier but we were out of town until last Tuesday and I hadn’t seen her obituary. RIP Sylvia!
Judi(Sasse) Allison says
I’m sorry for your loss. Although we never had our paths crossed later in life Sylvia was one of my best buddies in high school. We had some great times together, Sylvia Lura and I. Somewhere I have a picture of the three of us at graduation. If I find it I will post it here. My sympathies and wishes for healing with beautiful memories of Sylvia.