Sylvia Reitz

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Sylvia Reitz, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, “Nan,” “Nana,” and friend, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 95.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Reitz; her mother and father William and Mary Jackson and her eight siblings. Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Linda (Dave) Pieri; her stepson, Kevin Reitz; her stepdaughter, Bobbie (Bob) Krag; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. 

Her sharp wit, loving heart, generous spirit and unforgettable shortbread cookies will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to enough to know her. 

Born in Carlisle, England, in 1929, Sylvia was the youngest of nine siblings in the Jackson family. She treasured her childhood, growing up in a large, lively household and spending countless joyful moments at the river and waterfall near her home. Sylvia carried that same sense of adventure into her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, raising her daughter Linda with joy and later welcoming two cherished grandchildren. Carlise always held a special place in her heart, and she fondly reminisced about her time there throughout her life. 

In 1982, after becoming widowed, Sylvia moved to the United States to marry Norm. It was during this new chapter of her life that she inherited her American family and affectionately became know to most as “Nan.” Along with her, Nan brought her signature English humor, delicious shortbread cookies, shepherd’s pie, and her fondness for cream sherry. She cherished time with her family, whether it was enjoying long card games on the screened porch, soaking up the sun, or cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events. Her passion for sports, particularly hockey and English football, were unmatched. Few Englishwomen could rival her knowledge for hockey, her lively critiques of referees, delivered in her charming English accent, were legendary among fellow spectators. 

Nan found joy in life’s simple pleasures: a good romance novel, an English football match, the Food Network, and any chance to share a cheeky joke. She was always up for adventure – whether it was a road trip (often to watch a hockey game), a visit to see fall colors in Maplewood State Park, a night at the legion for Bingo, or many trips to Winnipeg to visit her sister. One of her fondest memories was a trip to Vegas, where she playfully pretended to be Miss Universe 1929.

Her vibrant personality made her a friend to many, and she had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel like family. Her warmth, open-heartedness, and genuine interest in others turned countless acquaintances into lifelong friends. She became a second mother to many, offering companionship, a listening ear, and unconditional love. Her home was a haven for all who entered – place where visitors immediately felt at ease, knowing they were loved, cared for and would never leave hungry. 

Nan’s legacy of love, humor and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials are to be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

A Visitation for Sylvia will begin at 1:00 PM, Friday, January 17, 2025, followed by her Funeral Service at 2:00 PM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.

She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)