Ruth Jean Sylvester

After receiving the loving good-byes from those who cared about her, Ruth Sylvester, age 86, died quietly in the evening on January 22, 2026. Ruth was born on January 13, 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut to Howard and Beatrice (Ruic) Hoag. Ruth attended school in Granby, Connecticut. She was confirmed in the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Granby in 1953.

In 1956 Ruth married James Corcoran and they had three children while living in Connecticut. In 1970 they moved to Montgomery, Vermont and had two more children. In 1989 she divorced and moved to Johnson. As a lifelong learner, Ruth fulfilled her dream of graduating and returned to school to earn her high school diploma from Lamoille Union High School in 1989.

Within a few short years she met and married the love of her life, Harold Sylvester. After marrying in 1991, the couple enjoyed many joyful years in their home in Cornwall, Vermont. Their favorite activity was traveling around Vermont (and beyond) while finding new restaurants to enjoy. The couple were avid collectors of 'things' that they often sold or gave away from the perpetual barn sale located behind their home. While their time together was short due to Harold's death in 2003, Harold gave Ruth a life that her family and friends could only have hoped for her.

Ruth enjoyed many occupations throughout her life including baker, housekeeper and childcare provider. She cherished the time with the children she cared for in Montgomery and Cornwall. As a baker Ruth was known for her perfect pie crusts, zucchini bread, homemade donuts and cakes. Ruth's last words were describing how to make a mayonnaise cake, a family favorite (try it - it's delicious!).

Ruth is survived by her children Mark Corcoran (Nikki) of Richford, John Corcoran (Abby) of Hartland, Heidi Wener of Essex Junction, and Becky Gonyea of Morrisville, her son-in-law Gary Longe of Swanton, her grandchildren Jamie Corcoran (Paige) of Warwick RI, Kohl Corcoran (Katie) of Richford, Gary Longe (Sam) of Swanton, Elijah Wener of Essex Junction, and Cassie Gonyea of Morrisville, and her great grandchildren Luna, Klaira, Karter, Prue, and the newest little addition arriving in March. Also surviving are her beloved siblings George Hoag, Barbara Roberts, and Nancy Tilton and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves behind a special niece Linda Bolio, a life-long friend Pat Greenia, her evening Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy partner Valda Laird, and the many friends she made while living at Copley Terrace and The Manor nursing home.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her siblings SueAnn, Roger, and Richard, her first husband James, her second husband Harold, her daughter Melissa Longe, and her son-in-law Billy Gonyea.

The family would like to thank The Manor staff for their loving care of Ruth over the past four years. She loved to hear about their lives and to share her own memories. She especially enjoyed the activities including music with Sergio, bingo, and listening to books being read aloud. Thank you also to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice who provided special care and guidance during Ruth's last days.

A service will be held at the United Community Church in Morrisville, 85 Upper Main St, Morristown, VT 05661 on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00AM with a luncheon following the service.

Donations in Ruth's memory can be made to the Clarina Howard Nichols Center, PO Box 517 Morrisville, VT 05661 and The Manor (Activities fund), 577 Washington Highway, Morrisville, VT 05661.