Sylivia M Stearns

Sylvia Mary Stearns, 91, departed this earthly life peacefully in her sleep June 28, 2011 at home. She was born May 1, 1920 in Navarino, New York to Clio and M. Frances Cain Harter. She lived in the Syracuse, NY area with six years in Boulder, CO and, since 2006, in Panama City Beach, FL with her daughter Mary and son-in-law Morgan Hickenlooper. She graduated from Tully High School, went to business school, and worked as a secretary for G.E. during WWII. After the war, she had four children and devoted her life to her family. She was fun-loving and generous, even roller-skating with her children. She had an indomitable spirit, fed by her abiding Catholic faith. She lived quietly and loved quietly. A talented musician, she served many years as choirmaster and organist for St. Bridgits Catholic Church in Skaneateles Falls, NY. She also entertained by playing the piano at the Veterans Home and Senior Centers in Syracuse and at the Council on Aging Senior Center in Panama City. She was devoted to children, caring for Stephanie Gorney in NY, Galen Gill and grandson Joseph and in CO. As a volunteer, she served as Childcare Coordinator for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Boulder, CO. She comforted infants for the Salvation Army Teen Parenting Program, Syracuse. She travelled internationally, was an avid reader, and loved crosswords. She produced stunningly intricate pieces of knitting and crocheting. Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Clio and M. Frances Cain Harter; three brothers, Robert, Dana, and Stuart Harter, and her two sons, George and Philip Stearns. She is survived by two daughters and their spouses: Mary Kennedy Hickenlooper and the Rev. A. Morgan Hickenlooper of Panama City Beach, FL; Eileen Starnes and Norbert Klebl of Boulder CO; grandsons Benjamin J. Kennedy of Safety Harbor, FL, Thomas D. Kennedy of Denver, CO, Joseph F. Starnes and wife Shahin Henrikson (who is expecting) of Portland, OR, and step-granddaughter Laura Hickenlooper Roberts and spouse and Carey of Lawrenceville, GA. Step-great-grandchildren are Olivia Roberts and Tristan Henrickson. She also leaves nieces and nephews Colleen Patterson of Syracuse, NY, Donna Harter Coffin Uxbridge, MA, Eric Harter of Ponca City, OK, Valerie Harter, and Robert Harter. She leaves first cousin Edith Gorney of Syracuse, NY, many other cousins and a special church friend Joan Hamlin of Syracuse, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Church at 4845 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205 on July 8th, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a burial service at Assumption Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. James Church.

Sylivia M Stearns

May 1, 1920 - June 28, 2011