Anna Mae Sylvester

Anna Mae Sylvester, 98, of Chico, California died Wednesday, November 26th 2025. Born Anna Mae Eble in Cleveland Ohio on May 12, 1927 to immigrant parents Albert and Marie Eble, she had a happy and carefree childhood with her brother Al and sister Marilyn.

At the urging of her mother, and because she shared a birthday with Florence Nightingale, Anna Mae became a nurse. She graduated from the Cleveland Training School of Nursing in 1948 and served in the US Navy Nurse Corps. Anna Mae married Robert Sylvester in 1952. Robert's publishing career took them to Baltimore, Chicago, and New York, and during those years they welcomed five children. A business opportunity brought them to Chico, California where they settled in 1964. Anna Mae was a stay-at-home mother until her children enrolled in school full time. At that point she joined her husband in managing the Chico News Agency.

Anna Mae lived a faith filled life. She was one of the original members of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, attending weekly up until her death. Anna Mae enjoyed travelling, reading and quilting, and never missed her children's or grandchildren's sporting events. For many years Anna Mae enjoyed early-morning walks with her good friends in Bidwell Park, eventually becoming a Park Watch volunteer.

Wednesdays became a very special day in the Sylvester family, as it was 'Grannamae's' day with her grandchildren. Not only did she watch the grandchildren all day, she also cooked a family dinner for her children and grandchildren. That was Anna Mae. Her happiest moments in life were in the company of her grandchildren.

Anna Mae is survived by her sister Marilyn Tushar, children Therese & Rich Morris, Beth & B.K. Brooks, Rob & Carol Sylvester, and Helena Cymbal, and grandchildren Matthew and Megan Sylvester, and Daniel and Kloe Brooks. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, son John, daughter Mary Pullin, and grandsons Thomas and Nicholas Sylvester.

A mass will be held at Our Divine Savior on Friday, December 12th at 10:00 am. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Ladies Relief Society or Mercy Ships. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home.