Barbara Ann Sylvestre

Barbara SylvestreBarbara Ann Sylvestre (née Whittle), born in Pittsfield, Mass. on June 4, 1936, died at home in Hilton Head, SC on October 29, 2012 following a three and one-half year illness. Barbara attended primary school in Pittsfield, MA and high school in Woonsocket, RI. In 1952, at age 15, Barbara met her future husband Emile at a YMCA dance. One week later, Barbara and Emile began dating and after 5 years they were married on June 1, 1957, just three days before Barbara's 21st birthday. The couple moved to Montreal, Canada where Emile attended medical school and Barbara worked in an automobile repair shop. Barbara gave birth to two sons, Marc and Kevin while in Montreal. After completing medical school, the family moved to Boston, MA where Emile attended residency at the Lahey Clinic. Peter, son #3 was born shortly after their return to the U.S. and son #4, Matthew, three years later in Boston, MA. After completing residency, Emile and Barbara settled down in Long Island, NY where Emile joined a new internal medicine practice close to their home. Barbara most enjoyed spending time with her husband and four boys, socializing with friends and taking care of the house. After the boys graduated from college and moved away from home, Barbara joined Emile in the medical practice, helping to manage the office and making patients feel like they were part of the family. Ten years later in 1998, Barbara and Emile decided to retire and after searching the southeast coast, fell in love with Hilton Head. Both loved the warmer temperatures, friendly people, southern hospitality, beautiful beaches and golf. Barbara is survived by her husband, Emile; four sons, Marc, Kevin, Peter and Matthew; "adopted son", Philip; two daughters in law, Lizette and Maryanne; three grandchildren, Ryan, Jake and Sarah; one sister, Jane and many loving caring friends. She was an exceptionally friendly person and will be sorely missed. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.