Sylvia Jean Staebler

Staebler, Sylvia Jean (Barron)
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sylvia on January 23, 2025. She died peacefully, at 97 years of age, in her home in the presence of family. She was a long-time resident of New Hope, MN until the last decade of her life when she transitioned to an independent living apartment in a senior community. Living as independently as possible was very important to Sylvia.
Born October 7, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, just before the great depression of 1929, Sylvia was the only child of Ivory Barron and Isal (Allen) Barron. In 1950 Sylvia married the love of her life Robert (Bob) Staebler and together, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and cherished memories.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents and spouse of 50 years Robert Staebler. She is survived by her two daughters Brenda Johnson (Kevin) and Karyn Thompson (Steven); grandchildren Jared Johnson (Rachael), Larissa Andreen (Jeremy), and Kyle Thompson; 3 great grandchildren and other beloved family members and friends.
Sylvia grew up on the south side of Chicago, graduating from South Shore High School in 1945. Her father worked for Warner Brothers resulting in movie passes for many area theaters during most of her younger life. During/after high school she worked supporting the war effort and then went on to obtain an Associate degree in Radio Broadcasting from Columbia University.
After graduating, until shortly after getting married, she worked for Kankakee radio station, WKAN broadcasting to the greater Chicago area, under the radio name Sylvia Jafferys. She had her own weekly radio show and was a frequent contributor to scripts for other shows. Involvement in off-Broadway plays also occupied her during this time frame. She treasured these years and experiences.
The family moved from the Chicago suburbs to New Hope, MN in 1965 when Bob was transferred by General Mills. Throughout their married life Sylvia and Bob were avidly involved in bridge club and golf and bowling leagues. Sylvia joined the West Suburban Woman's Club (WSWC) in 1965 and stayed involved for most of the next 50 years. Her focus in later years was planning events and raising money to support people in need with local non-profits.
In the 1970's and into the 1990's Sylvia worked as a real estate agent and later a travel agent. She and Bob traveled widely across the world, and she found joy in assisting many of her family and friends with their home purchases and trips. Following Bob's death in 2000 she continued to travel, golf and bowl in leagues until age 87 when her health declined.
The family would especially like to extend their gratitude to Kim Trom, who was a special friend and companion that Sylvia often referred to as her 3rd daughter. The family is very grateful to Kim for the bond that blossomed between the two of them. Their weekly lunches were a highlight of Sylvia's recent years.
The celebration of her life will be held at Washburn McReavey's Glen Haven Funeral Chapel, 5125 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429; on Friday, February 21, 2025 with visitation at 10:00; service at 11:00, followed by a reception lunch. Interment will follow lunch at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
In lieu of flowers, Sylvia would have wanted friends and family to donate to a charity of their choosing.