Sylvia Searight

Mrs. Sylvia Searight, 92, of Muncie, passed away peacefully on December 24th at her home in South Pasadena, California. Born on September 15, 1932, in Sandwich, Illinois, Sylvia was the daughter of Donald and Virginia Dalton. She graduated from Sandwich Township High School in 1950 and earned her R.N. from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, in 1953. She later completed a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Dubuque in 1957 and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago, in 1964.
Sylvia had a notable career in nursing and clinical psychology. She served at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Marion County General Hospital (now Eskenazi Hospital), and Riley Child Guidance Clinic. She also worked with the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago and taught pediatric nursing at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. From 1962 to 1964, Sylvia worked as a staff psychologist at the Adult Psychiatric Clinic at Indiana University in Indianapolis. She later conducted psychological evaluations for Dr. Marvin Greiber at the Muncie Clinic.
On May 9, 1953, Sylvia married Dr. Howard R. Searight, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children: H. Russell Searight, Ph.D. (wife Barbara, Ph.D.) of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Mark Searight (wife Julie) of La Jolla, California; Timothy Searight (wife Rupa Goswami) of South Pasadena, California; and Christine Searight Francis (husband Gavin Francis) of Arlington, Virginia. Sylvia was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren: Alicia Searight, Zachary Searight, Brigid Searight, Samuel Searight, Logan Francis, Kumar Searight, and Luxmi Searight. She is survived by her sisters, Doris Harper (husband John Harper, Ph.D.) of Rochester, New York, and Diane Dalton of Van Nuys, California. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Howard Searight; granddaughter, Alicia Searight; and brother, Donald Dalton Jr., Ph.D.
Sylvia was deeply engaged and active in the Muncie community. A 50-year member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, she served on the Nursery School Board for 20 years and acted as co-liaison for Head Start classes for 11 years. She also served on the Muncie School Board for 16 years, the Youth Opportunity Center Board for 20 years, and the Muncie Public Library Board for 16 years. Additionally, she was an active member of the Delaware Blackford Counties Medical Society Alliance, I.S.M.A.A., A.M.A.A., Art Alliance, Art Student League, Psi Iota Xi (Alpha Chapter), and the First Tuesday Lunch Club.
In her later years, Sylvia relocated to South Pasadena, California, where she delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, attending local concerts, and reading.
Sylvia's legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to her community, profession, and family will be cherished by all who knew her.
Calling hours will be from 4p to 7p on Friday, January 10th at the Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, 415 E. Washington Street, Muncie, IN 47305.
Funeral services will be held at 9a on Saturday, January 12th at Fountain Square United Methodist Church, 4405 S. Madison Street, Muncie, IN 47302. Burial will follow at 10:30a in Elm Ridge Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the Youth Opportunities Center, 3700 W. Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com