Sylvia Lee Key, 84, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on December 6, 2016.
Sylvia was born in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin on August 13, 1932 to Charles Fernette and Helena (Smith) Fernette. She was raised in a loving family in the Fourth Ward along the banks of the Mississippi River. She attended all of her schooling in Prairie Du Chien.
Sylvia spent the majority of her life being a homemaker and raising a family. In the early years of her life, she lived all over the country and moved quite frequently. Prior to moving to Helena in 2014, she lived in Seattle for over 30 years. She considered Seattle her home, and she made numerous lifelong friends while living and working there. She worked for the King County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and later worked at the USO Northwest Seattle Tacoma (SeaTac) Airport Center as the center manager and volunteer coordinator. She was extremely proud to work for the USO and her “motherly” demeanor touched the lives of many military servicemen, servicewomen and their families as they traveled through the airport to and from their destinations.
Sylvia loved every holiday known to man. It often seemed her entire year was spent packing up holiday decorations for one and immediately getting ready for the next. She also loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was always an active grandmother and loved to play pranks on her granddaughters. One of her greatest pranks was at Thanksgiving where the grandchildren watched her put the turkey in the oven and later in the afternoon switched it with a cornish hen. All lamented how Grandma’s turkey shrunk! Sylvia also had a very special relationship with her daughter Lori, who in later years took great care of her as she aged.
Sylvia is survived by her four children, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. Her children and their spouses include: Gil and Debbie Key (Spokane), Lori Key (Helena), Lisa Key (Seattle), and Jeff and Carrie Key (Helena). Sylvia’s four grandchildren include Kelly (Key) Battenfield, Katie Key, Meagan Key and Jason Key. She is also survived by many friends, including her dear friend Father Steven Wilson of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) Order of the Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Helena Fernette, and her siblings. They include sisters’ Mary, Louise, and Dorothy, and brothers’ Edgar, Richard, and James, all of Wisconsin.
There are no funeral services scheduled at this time. A private mass of remembrance has been said by Father Steven Wilson. Memorials are suggested to the USO Northwest SeaTac Center at 17801 International Blvd., PMB #313, Seattle, WA 98158; or online at www.usonw.org. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Sylvia.
Sylvia had a heart of gold, and she will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Ruth and Fred Forsberg says
Dear Gil,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the years of memories bring comfort to you and your family for many years to come.
Carole Jo Williams says
To Sylvia’s Family. I am so sad that Sylvia’s laughter is gone but she touched Everyone she met with her warmth. Sylvia “hired” me AS a volunteer at The USO and from there I learned how loved and so unselfish she was. Our friendship continued Even after she left Seattle. Her love of Family was her First priority and she passed that along to Everyone she touched at The USO. She will remain in my heart AS someone I would like to be like. RIP Sylvia.
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Key family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.