LANTANA — Dorothy “Dottie” A. Sylvester died Oct. 18 at her home in the Carlisle in Lantana. She was 92.
Mrs. Sylvester was born in Pittsburgh on July 9, 1928, to Catherine A. Freeman and Joseph F. Smith. One of nine children, she is survived by sister Marlene Dawson and brother Thomas Smith. Her siblings Joseph Smith, Helen Kazlausky, Scott Smith, Greg Smith, Ella Mae Weightman and William Smith predeceased her.
Mrs. Sylvester is survived by three daughters, Laura Finn (Jack), Renee Sprague (Scott), Gail McMillan (Steve), and one son, Raymond Sylvester (Pam). In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren: Dean Sprague (Diana), Katie Sprague, Raymond Sylvester, Carly Sylvester and Ava Sylvester.
Raised on a farm in Manor, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Sylvester loved sharing stories of milking the cow, Blackie, feeding the chickens and the love the family had for all the animals on the farm. The family enjoyed fun-filled days swimming in the creek and during winter ice skating on the pond.
In 1949 she met the man who would become her beloved husband, Raymond L. Sylvester. They were married for 48 years until his death in 1997. As a young couple they embarked on an unforgettable three-month journey traveling throughout Italy and other parts of Europe with their closest friends.
A few years later, they moved to Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where they lived for 30 years and raised their family. Besides being a devoted mother, Mrs. Sylvester loved cooking, gardening and decorating. In addition, she enjoyed jobs such as fashion modeling, working in the cosmetics industry and selling insurance before retiring to Delray Beach.
Ballroom dancing was a passion during her later years and won her many friends.
To all who knew her, Mrs. Sylvester was a caring person with a big heart and beautiful smile. She loved nature and saw the good in things.
A true humanitarian and a friend to all, she was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
She filled her home with warmth, beauty and love and nothing meant more to her than spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her family was the center of her life, and to them she is remembered as an amazing woman full of grace, wisdom, courage and style.
Family and friends are blessed to share decades of wonderful memories and adventurous stories that she experienced throughout her life. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Dorothy’s essence will live on in all who knew and loved her.
There was a private service at the Carlisle on Nov. 6. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be given to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee or the charity of your choice.
Obituary submitted by the family
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