On 9th September 2026, Sylvia, aged 86 years, passed away peacefully at Maple Fold Care Home.
Sylvia was born in London in 1940 and was, proudly, a Cockney. She was the youngest of three children, growing up with an older brother and sister.
Sylvia began her working life as a P.A. and typist at Boots Head Office. It was during this time that she met Peter, who was serving with the Coldstream Guards on Royal duties. The two soon fell in love and were married in September 1962.
Together, Sylvia and Peter moved to Clayton-le-Moors, settling on Lancaster Drive and making it their family home. They went on to have two sons, Stephen and Joe, who became the centre of Sylvia’s world.
Sylvia was never afraid of hard work. Over the years, she took on various part-time jobs to help support her family, including cleaning homes and offices and working as a courier for White Arrow. She was a practical, determined woman who would always do whatever needed to be done.
Sylvia had a huge love for animals, a passion she passed on to her sons. She volunteered at the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary, helping with the general cleaning and upkeep. She even adopted a donkey from the Donkey Sanctuary. Animals were a very special part of her life, and she also loved walking her own dogs, as well as helping to walk dogs belonging to her sister and sons.
Sylvia was famously tough and remarkably healthy for much of her life. She rarely needed to see a doctor and, by her own standards, had probably only visited one a handful of times. She certainly wasn’t someone who liked making a fuss about herself.
When Peter sadly passed away in 2007, Sylvia showed just how much strength and determination she had. After many years of smoking, she gave it up through sheer willpower. It was another example of the incredible resolve that was such a part of her character.
At the age of 73, Sylvia underwent major surgery. True to form, she told everyone beforehand that it was only a minor procedure. It was only after she had spent three weeks in hospital that she finally admitted the truth!
In her 80s, Sylvia experienced periods of illness, and during this time her youngest son, Joe, became her full-time carer. Their bond was incredibly strong, and Joe was there for his mum when she needed him most.
Sylvia was always someone who wanted to help others whenever she could. She was generous in her own quiet way and supported causes that mattered to her. She donated money to the Air Ambulance, and her generosity was recognised by having her name placed on one of the aircraft.
Sylvia lived a long and full life. She was hardworking, strong-willed, generous and fiercely independent. She loved her family, she loved animals, and she had a wonderful determination to get on with life without making a fuss.
Sylvia will be deeply missed by her family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A special thank you from Joe and Stephen to Ann of Maple Fold Care Home for the time she took to talk and get to know Mum. also to the nurses and staff of B2 ward in Royal Blackburn Hospital.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories and love that will remain with those who knew her.
Rest peacefully, Sylvia.
