Sylvia O. Trecaso

1926 - 2017

Sylvia O. Trecaso (Derer)

THEN AND NOW

Sylvia passed away peacefully at home in her chair on the morning of Nov. 13, 2017 surrounded by many who loved her. We will miss her beautiful blue eyes, warm smile, and we were so blessed to have her in our life for 91 years.

She was born at home on July 27, 1926 to the late Gustav and Johanna (Soltis) Derer. She attended Zion Lutheran grade school where her father taught her and was principal. As a child and an adult, she spent time at Lake Michigan visiting her parents and grandparents. In her teens, she worked at Ely's bakery and the original Mary Coyle restaurant on Exchange Street.

She graduated from South High School in Akron in 1944. She eloped at age 18, taking the train by herself to the Airforce Base in Monroe, Louisiana to marry her loving husband, Joe on Aug 26, 1944. Their loving marriage of 43 years bore nine children. A homemaker and a business woman, she worked alongside her husband in their various restaurants. She traveled to many States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and a Caribbean Cruise for their 40th Wedding Anniversary. She was very proud of her Slovak heritage, passing along the language and cuisine to her children and grandchildren.

She learned to drive her car "Old Betsy" when she was 57, driving to Michigan by herself several times and took many family and friends to doctor appointments. She was an avid flower gardener, cook, loved to play bingo, card games, bridge, and she was a member of the MSConversanese Women's Aux. She followed her sons' and grandchildren's sporting and musical events. She loved to babysit her grandchildren.

We especially would like to thank her devoted son, Paul "The Butler" who lived with her and provided his loving care and attention for over ten years. We also would like to thank her nurses Kendra, Kathy, and Nancy for their tender care.

She is survived by her sister, Lydia V Barkey (92); and seven children, Rosanne S Sanford, Michael G (Jennifer), Marianne J, Paul A, Stephen John (Evelyn), Ralph E, and John S. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Melissa S Thomas (Joe), Meghann E (Steve), Michele M Elliott (Marcus), Michael G, Meredith A, Mallory R, Elizabeth S Kelly, Johanna J Kelly (fiance Darren), Evan T Kelly, Joseph B (Jenny), Nathaniel A, Christopher J, Samuel J, Lauren E, Andrew V, Adrienne R, Olivia M and ten great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph S (Dec 17, 1987); her son, Stephen Joseph (died three hours after his birth on Dec 25, 1948), her son, Joseph F (Sept 5, 1969), her daughter-in-law, Carol A, her son-in-law, Andrew L Sanford, and her brothers Gustav D and Emil A.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent-St. Mary Foundation c/o The Joseph F. Trecaso Memorial Scholarship Fund, 15 N. Maple St., Akron, OH 44303.