Sylvia Columbia

1939 - 2025

Sylvia Columbia

Concord , NH - In Loving Memory of Sylvia Elaine (Salmond) Columbia

Sylvia Elaine (Salmond) Columbia, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at Alpine Healthcare Center in Keene, NH.

Born on October 27, 1939, in Springfield, VT, Sylvia was the daughter of the late Andrew and Iva (Burke) Salmond of Perkinsville, VT. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1957 and Rutland Business College in 1958, where she studied business and nursing. After graduation, Sylvia enlisted in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) from 1958 to 1960 and also served in the Civil Air Patrol. During basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished for decades. Sylvia was deeply proud of her military service and was a strong advocate for women in the armed forces. She was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran in December 1960.

Upon returning to Vermont, Sylvia worked in the Nursing Department at Springfield Hospital. Caring for others was always central to her life, and even as her health declined, her concern for the well-being of family and friends never wavered.

Sylvia later spent 18 years at Jones & Lamson Machine Company in Springfield, VT, working as an electrician and serving as chief steward at the manufacturing plant. She was also an officer of United Electrical and Machine Workers of America Local 218. Sylvia retired in 1983 due to health issues.

A passionate animal lover, Sylvia's home was always filled with the companionship of dogs, cats, and at times, goats, rabbits, ducks, or any animal in need. Growing up on a farm instilled in her a lifelong love for animals.

Sylvia also had a passion for sports, including basketball, baseball, and trout fishing. She was a devoted supporter at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on in all weather and circumstances. Gardening was another of her joys, with roses being her specialty-her gardens were admired by many.

Even in her later years, Sylvia was still a very competitive person. In 2009 and 2010 she travelled to Birmingham AL and Des Moines IA respectively, to compete in the National Veterans Golden Age games representing NH. She competed in the 10 Meter Air Rifle over 65 division and took home the gold in 2010.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Correnne Wilber (and husband Herb) of Buffalo, NY; Bob Salmond of Orange, CA; and Edris Salmond of Perkinsville, VT.

Sylvia is survived by her three sons: John van Wezel, Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Robert van Wezel of Keene, NH; and William Lucius (Donna Briggs) of Manchester, NH; her sister-in-law Helen Salmond of Orange, CA; her three grandchildren, Sarah Lucius (and great-grandchild Kash) of Concord, NH; Jami van Wezel of Keene, NH; and Jordan van Wezel and wife Maddie of Natick, MA; and several nieces and nephews throughout NY, CA, NH and VT.

No formal services will be held at this time. A spring or summer military service will take place at Plain Cemetery in Weathersfield, VT, with the date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

•Friends of Veterans, 28 Farmvu Drive, Suite 3, White River Junction, VT 05001 https://fovvtnh.org/donate-to-fov

•New Hampshire SPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 https://nhspca.org/donate-today-2