Sylvia (Strandberg) Fitzgerald Connick , a loving, beautiful soul, transitioned from this earthly life on Friday, September 8, four days after her 100th birthday. She was a third generation daughter of the “families of the Prickly Pear.”
Her parents, Nels and Violet Strandberg, named her for Silver City where they ranched and farmed in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sylvia married Marshal Fitzgerald in 1940 and together they raised two daughters, Sharon Valentine (of North Carolina), and Marilyn Fitzgerald (of California).
A career woman who loved both family and work, she was involved in the early transition to computers in the Montana Fish & Game and the Montana Department of Administration . She was particularly proud that she had the opportunity to train women in data processing to offer them a career.
Widowed at an early age, she later married Art Connick, a local businessman, and together they plunged into the world of politics when Art was elected to the Lewis and Clark Board of County Commissioners where he served until his death in 1977.
Sylvia was an active member of Josephine Hephner No. 89, Order of the Eastern Star serving as the Worthy Matron and Queen of Sapphira Temple No. 79, Daughters of the Nile.
She loved animals and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Her first love however was her beloved cat, “Little Kit”; her constant companion and defender.
Sylvia was considerate, generous of spirit, kind and accepting of everyone and she believed in “eating dessert first.”
She ingrained independence in her daughters having faced loss in her own life and stressed the importance of being able to support oneself.
Her daughters are grateful for the circle of loving support from caretakers, Charmaine Teigen and Bev Donaldson, her extensive Hardie/Strandberg family, friends, and neighbors who allowed her to remain in her own home and Chris Gabriel and Karen Calcaterra – her nieces became her Montana daughters.
A woman who looked for the good and was an inspiration to those who loved her – A Celebration of her Life and Legacy will be held at a later date. A remembrance Garden honoring her and the families of the Prickly Pear is planned.
Family and friends are invited to visit at her home on Alfalfa Road from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Sylvia are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604 or to supporting a family member in need via the La Cotta Pay it Forward Account at the State Bank of Townsend, 400 Broadway St., Townsend, MT 59644. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Sylvia.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 26, 2018
Little Red School House
1635 Sierra Road E.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 26, 2018
Little Red School House
1635 Sierra Road E.
Helena, Montana 59602
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LEONARD BULL says
I only knew Sylvia in the last four years of her life, and wish that I had met her many, many years before. When Sharon introduces me to her, she graciously welcomed me into the family, and in the short time that I had with her we became very close and good friends. We shared many stories of our own lives being raised on farms and ranches- Sylvia on ranches and farms in Montana and me on a dairy farm in Massachusetts. Those stories made it clear to me that we shared many of the same kinds of experiences, challenges and values. I will hold those memories close forever. I had the privilege and opportunity to talk to Sylvia every day during the years that we knew each other. Sharon called her mother every day and I looked forward to the chance to talk to her about the weather, and the surroundings in her world. I started a lilac plant from one that I have on our place in Vermont, and when it rooted we planted it in Sylvia’s yard where she could see it. She watched that little lilac daily and was always anxious to report its growth and this year the emergence of its first flowers. I will miss her very much!
Mary Ryckman says
To Sharon and Marilyn who so graciously allowed me to have their mother as my other mother. From the time I was a small girl to the woman I am today Sylvia has traveled along my Journeys my goofy ups and downs and was always be there I know her gentle soul is resting for that I am so grateful she has seen so many things and those 100 years I count myself so lucky to have been around for part of that.. my love to the two of you Marilyn and Sharon
Leslie Winchell says
Sylvia was my aunt. Her first husband Marshall was my father’s brother. I have so many wonderful memories of her first when I was a child and then when I was an adult. I loved going to spend the Fourth of July with all the family– the tent in the back yard, the big barbecue and the countless firecrackers. A very special memory I have of her was how kind and supportive she was of my mother and me when my dad passed away. I could go on and on with the countless memories but know whenever I think of her in the years ahead I will always smile and be very thankful she was my aunt.
DiNe says
To Sylvia’s family
I was sorry to learn Sylvia passed away. I have known her for many years. What a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace in God’s loving hands.
With deepest sympathy Diane Ricter Pedersen
Ginny Brenna-Hill says
I first met Sylvia when Sharon brought her sister and Mom to the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach to enjoy the annual Ancient Mysteries Conference, which Sharon and I both looked forward to each year. Sylvia’s beautiful face, her eyes, her hair, her wonderful smile, all reminded me so much of my own departed mom that I just had to share my feelings with her. Angel that she is, and was, she decided right there to take me under her wing and make me “third chick”, and emotionally it just meant the world to me!
Her family knows well that Sylvia cherished her independence and disliked becoming increasingly dependent on others. I miss her much, but have wonderful memories of her wit, her joy, and her indomitable spirit. Knowing that she had such a long and wonderful life makes her passing easier, for I know that she’s carried all those traits with her to share on the other side. Thank you, Sylvia Mom, for being part of my life!
Ginny Brenna-Hill says
I first met Sylvia when Sharon brought her sister and Mom to the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach in October, 2007 to enjoy the annual Ancient Mysteries Conference, which Sharon and I both looked forward to each year. Sylvia’s beautiful face, her eyes, her hair, her wonderful smile, all reminded me so much of my own departed mom that I just had to share my feelings with her. Angel that she is, and was, she decided right there to take me under her wing and make me “third chick”, and emotionally it just meant the world to me!
Her family knows well that Sylvia cherished her independence and disliked becoming increasingly dependent on others. I miss her much, but have wonderful memories of her wit, her joy, and her indomitable spirit. Knowing that she had such a long and wonderful life makes her passing easier, for I know that she’s carried all those traits with her to share on the other side. Thank you, Sylvia Mom, for being part of my life!