Search by Name

Search by Name

Sylva Ian Ripplinger Driscoll

Sylva Ian Ripplinger Driscoll obituary

Sylva Driscoll Obituary

Sylva Ian Ripplinger Driscoll

Sylva Ian Driscoll, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully at the age of 89 on October 14, 2011, at her daughter's home in Seattle, Washington. All of her children were by her side. One year later, Sylva's energy, spirit, and love of life are as missed as on the day we lost her. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives.

Sylva was born in Santa Monica, California, the only child of Leo Ripplinger, a conductor on the Northern Pacific Railroad, and Ann Savage, who'd once taught in a one room school-house. Growing up in Ellensburg, Washington, Sylva was most comfortable in a buckskin jacket and cowboy boots (when she wasn't braving the currents to swim in the Columbia River). After graduating from Pasco High School, she entered Eastern Washington Teacher's College, later transferring to the University of Washington. When war broke out in 1941, she immediately enlisted in the Women's Ambulance Corps and was soon transferred to the Women's Army Corps. She enrolled in Officer's Candidate School, became a 2nd Lieutenant, and worked at several military bases on the East coast.

After her discharge from the Army, she returned to Pasco, where she met and married Matthew (Matt) Lawrence Driscoll, a WWII veteran who had spent two years in a German prison camp. The family, which now included daughter Kathleen, moved to Spokane where sons Matthew and Patrick were born. After Matt Sr. earned his law degree, the family moved to Seattle. While raising her brood in a house near Green Lake, Sylva completed her teaching degree at the University of Washington. She taught 4th and 5th grade art and science at Lafayette Elementary for many years. A talented painter and designer, with boundless curiosity, she spent many happy hours dreaming up inventive ways of engaging her young students.

Nearing retirement, Matt and Sylva moved to a townhouse in Bellevue, where she became the community's green thumb and volunteer groundskeeper. After Matt's death, Sylva moved back to Seattle. She took up residence in a little house next door to one of her sons, where she was to live independently for the rest of her life.

Sylva enjoyed daily visits with her children, but she was an adventurer who loved to travel. She visited Europe and the British Isles with her family in her 50's and 60's, Australia and Africa in her 70's, and right after 9/11, she flew to Disneyland for her 80th birthday. Her last major trip was a trek to China with a dear friend, as she was determined to see the Yangtze before it was diverted.

Sylva always placed the needs of others above her own, taking a keen interest in every family member. She loved the holidays that would bring her clan together, and delighted in the company of the two great-grandsons who called her "G.G." Her friends were also of paramount importance to her, and she made time for them up until the end; her last outing with treasured friends was only a few weeks before her passing. Sylva's love for all living things - from the plants that always thrived in her care, to the animals she loved to study, paint and photograph, to her friends and family -- was inspiring. She loved nature, and everything in it. Always looking to the future and hopeful that she might improve the lives of those around her, she generously contributed to a wide variety of charities and causes.

Sylva was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Ann Ripplinger, her husband, Matthew, her beloved great aunt Florence Brownlee, and a cherished daughter-in-law, Willie Mae Driscoll. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Schaeffer (Jim), sons Matt (Marleigh), and Patrick, her grandchildren Molly (Doug), Donovan, Kevin, and Meghan (Mark), and great grandsons Nolan and Greyson.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Oct. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylva Driscoll

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Sheila Sukut

October 14, 2012

There are never enough words to express the loss of a Mother. I have one memory that forever sticks in my mind of Sylva. It was at a birthday party of either Molly or Donnie. Sylva introduced to me to my first cup of coffee...and my last...so whenever someone asks me if I would like coffee, I always am reminded of her. May your memories always stay in your hearts..
Regards,

Marilyn Thurman (Rinker)

October 14, 2012

Mrs. Driscoll was my favorite teacher of all time. I was a 5th grader in her class at Lafayette. She was a little late entering our class room one day. She hesitated and told us "President Kennedy has just been shot and killed".

It is one of those moments in one's life when we remember where we were.

I have always had a place in my heart for her. She was kind, funny, sponky. She made learning fun. I wanted to be in her class. Because she was the defination of "class".

I am so glad she lived a full life with all her travels.

She must have wonderful kids because she raised her Lafayette kids very well.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Sylva Driscoll's name

Memorial Events
for Sylva Driscoll

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Sylva's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sylva Driscoll's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more