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Sylvia Besana Obituary
Born in Roseville, Calif., on August 21, 1927, and passed on July 12, 2008.
Sylvia attended Roseville City schools and graduated from Roseville High School in 1945. She attended Placer Junior College and Chico State University where she graduated in 1949.
Sylvia spent 39 years in the field of education. She started at Placer High School in Auburn in 1949 as a Physical Education instructor and moved into administration as Dean of Girls until she left for Roseville High School in 1966. She remained at Roseville High as Vice-Principal until her retirement in 1988.
A long time community volunteer, Sylvia was a Soroptomist member since 1956. As a Roseville Chamber of Commerce board member, she was presented with the Athena Award in 1987. She also served as the Chairperson of the annual Roseville Holiday Parade and the 4th of July parade, along with being active with Crimestoppers and the Roseville Cemetery board.
Her favorite volunteer effort was as a board member of the Sutter Roseville Hospital Foundation and assisting the Sutter Roseville Hospital Auxiliary.
Preceded in death by her father Joe and mother Marie, Sylvia is survived by her husband Fred, son Fred, grandson Adam, and sister Katherine.
Friends are invited to a visitation at LAMBERT FUNERAL HOME, 400 Douglas Blvd. in Roseville on Wednesday, July 16, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 17, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 615 Vine Avenue in Roseville. Private Interment to follow.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the compassionate care from physicians, nurses and support staff at Sutter Roseville Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sutter Medical Foundation, 1 Medical Foundation, Roseville, CA 95661.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Besana
Judy (Pugliese) Aguilar
August 7, 2008
Sylvia Besana truly was an awesome lady who was extremely devoted and involved in giving to the community…as well as encouraging others to do the same. She didn’t just belong to organizations, she was often the leader of them (or their committees)…something she apparently began doing in childhood. She always seemed so
knowledgeable in how to go about getting something done or who to contact about it. She had a way with people and there are probably very few who have been in the Roseville area any length of time who didn’t know her, or know of her. She touched the lives of so many of us, young or old, over the years, in various ways. The
incredibly large turnout of people at her funeral service was certainly an indication of how well-known, respected and important she was.
My first knowledge of “Mrs. Besana” was as a student at Roseville High School in 1967. She was Dean of Girls/Vice Principal, although I didn’t personally know her then. Throughout the next four years, I feared that I’d be called into her office one day because of my short hemlines (fortunately, I never was). I eventually became acquainted with her through the Auxiliary at the original Roseville Hospital and the Roseville High Alumni Association. Sylvia became very dedicated to what is now known as Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she led the Junior Auxiliary and served in many capacities throughout the hospital. In April, she was recognized for her 17,000 hours of volunteer work with its Auxiliary. Roseville High School was also very special to her and she was the “backbone” of its Alumni Association. She coordinated all-class reunion picnics and, more recently, annual luncheons which were well-attended by alumni from various years. In attending community events such as Lions Club Crab Feeds, The Tommy Apostolos Benefit, Music in the Park, Holiday parades and Splash, I could always expect to see her busy working at them. She was known as the lady you could never reach by phone until around 9 p.m…and understandably so, as she must have spent most of her awake time working around her many assorted commitments. My encounters with her made me realize what an exceptionally energetic person she was. Her illness and rather sudden death shocked everyone…it just seemed like she should have lived forever. Her passing created a tremendous loss for the entire community. I especially can’t believe that I won’t be seeing her at meetings and events in the future. One thing is certain…Roseville will never be the same without Sylvia and as the numerous committees try to continue on without Sylvia and her guidance, it will not be easy. She was an inspiration to all of us and I am so grateful to have known her…and the memories of her will always be there.
To the Besana Family and Sylvia’s closest friends ~ you have been, and are still, very much in my thoughts during this extremely sad time. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. Sincerely,
Patty Kennedy
July 31, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ruth and Bill McCarthy
July 26, 2008
We certainly are sorry to hear that Sylvia is gone. We knew her at RJUHS and as a neighbor of Bill on Donner Avenue. Always looked forward to seeing her at the class of '45 reunions. She was QUITE a lady. We will miss her. We offer our condolences to her family.
Rosemary Schoppe
July 25, 2008
Dear Besana Family,
My sincerest condolences to all of you. Sylvia’s passing leaves a deep chasm in this world. I've had the pleasure of knowing Sylvia for 17 years through our mutual home owners' association. Sylvia’s easy and loving smile, grace, civility, sense of humor, humility, fairness, and compassion are legendary to all she touched throughout Roseville. Her legacy will live on through everyone’s memories of this great woman. May the Lord give you all peace in your souls during this time of your sorrow and strength of spirit in knowing how much she was love and will be missed.
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Julia Couzens
July 22, 2008
To the family of Sylvia Besana:
I remember Mrs. Besana as the Dean of Women at Placer High School. She was a tall, serene, and graceful presence on campus. A beautiful woman. You have my deepest sympathy.
Angela (Maffei Family) Turner
July 20, 2008
To the entire Besana family: Thank You for sharing her with the community. Having a spouse and parent working so hard all the time was probably difficult, but without her, Roseville would have been a very different city. The Rosary and Funeral services were a wonderful glimpse into a life that touched so many people. It was nice to hear how she was as a little girl. Being a third generation RHS Alumni, I grew up with "hemline inspector" stories and in '88 I was in the office; but my infraction was way beyond hemline issues. Luckily, this April Mrs. B still helped me with reunion information, so either she had forgiven me or was shocked I had made such a turn around! She will be greatly missed by many, but her legacy will live on in memory. - The Class of 1988 -
Sandra House
July 18, 2008
Fred, I know what a guiding light your mother was to you. I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, Fondly, Sandy
Janelle & Del Stephenson
July 18, 2008
All our Condolences and love to your
family.
Michelle Lombardi
July 18, 2008
Although I've only known Sylvia for the past 6 years, I feel I am one of the lucky ones. It is rare to be associated with someone who was so humble and so giving. I am honored to have known her.
Robert & Barbara Glines
July 17, 2008
Sylvia was a wonderful lady. We have many fond memories. She will be missed.
Sandra Boudreau
July 17, 2008
My sincere condolences to the entire family, and the greater family she contributed so much to, the Roseville community. She will be sorely missed.
Irene L Heuser
July 17, 2008
Sylvia was one classy lady. Our family loved her. She took time to remember us at our loss in March, '08 (Don). God Bless All Her Family. Irene L. Heuser, Gary E., Nanette Jones, Les Heuser. Lovingly 'n Prayerfully the Heusers
The Tooker's
July 17, 2008
It was a pleasure to have known Mrs. Besana during my years at Roseville High School and then being able to introduce my wife and grandchildren to her in recent years. Our grandchildren played Little League together. Our deepest sympathy Fred and family.
Don & Nancy Edgar
July 17, 2008
We would like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steven Lutz
July 17, 2008
Mrs. Besana left a sizable impact on my life. She was a remarkable lady that cared for people. She will be missed. May God comfort the family as this life changing event proceeds.
Takasumi Kojima
July 17, 2008
We knew her when she was known as MS Sylvia Rastler at Placer High. She was a great teacher and helpful advisor to all students. God bless and a peaceful journey.
Class of 1952.
Cathy (Martin/Cree) Borowski
July 17, 2008
What a privilege to have known such a wonderful women.
She was the Dean of girls at Placer High when I was in school and a friend to everyone. And then when my own kids where going to Roseville they had the privilege of her at there school.
My family grew up with her on Nevada Ave. We remember how wonderful her and her Mother where.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. How fortunate for you to have a heart full of beautiful Memorys of such a GRAND LADY.
karen mcvey-handley
July 17, 2008
I 'am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Karen McVey-Handley
class of 1972
DELBERT STEPHENSON
July 16, 2008
Freddy: Who am I going to tell when
you misbehave?
The Wells Family
July 16, 2008
Fred Sr., Freddy B & Adam,
Know that we are thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers.
isabel stevens (Marquez)
July 16, 2008
I got to know Ms. Besana more later in life. She helped me out with reunion stuff. Ms. Besana orchestrated many "all Alumni Reunions" not to mention all her help with the Tommy Apostles fund raisers. Thank you Ms. Besana for all your hard work. I hope you knew that you were appreciated. Isabel
Edith Szatko
July 16, 2008
I only knew Sylvia for 10 short years but in that time I thought she was a super person and so nice. I remember one time I told her that she reminded me of my great aunt,she asked if she was nice and i said yes just like you. Her answer was, good! I love working with her at the Sutter Auxiliary. My thoughts at this sad time are with her family. I will miss seeing her coming and going in the hospital and asking are you busy?
ISABEL STEVENS (MARQUEZ)
July 16, 2008
I knew Ms. Besana while going to school at RHS. Not well, however,
got to know her better later. She helped me with Reunion stuff. Orchestrating class reunions is hard work and Sylvia orchestrated many "All Alumni reunions" not to mention her help in the Tommy Apostles fund raisers. Thank you for all your hard work!!
Lupe trevizo-Hernandez
July 16, 2008
First of all - our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Besana Family from "The Trevizo Family". After readying the other guestbook entries...all have captured the essence of Mrs. Besana. Many have discribed her as a friend, mentor, true civic leader, great contributor, committed leader and volunteer, dedicated educator...the list goes on & on. We learn from example - thank you Mrs. Besana! At our family gatherings we would tell "Mrs Besana stories" - one in particular is when she busted our late brother Tony steaking at RHS in the 70's - only God knows how she ID'd him. Our late brother Leonard was mortified! But we all look back fondly, and continue to tell the stories so our children will laugh too -ahhh the memories. Go Roseville! Go Tigers! God Bless Mrs. Besana - I bet she is the only one who knew the RHS song by heart..."there's a high school on the hill top..."
Darlene Roberts
July 16, 2008
Fred and Family,
My condolences to you.
Sylvia's life was full and she made the best of every moment.
Your neighbor.
Patti Kostakis
July 15, 2008
Dear Mr.Besana, Fred, and Adam,
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad time. What a wonderful woman Sylvia was and what she did for this town was amazing! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you.
Jana McNeil-Slavik
July 15, 2008
Sylvia was the kind of person I thought would live forever. She was so active, so involved and left such a huge mark on Roseville's past and future. She was repected and admired by everyone. I guess in that respect she will live forever. I have known her my whole life and I am so sadded by her passing. I can only hope that it is of some comfort to the Besana family to know her legacy will live on in the City of Roseville and in everyone who knew her.
Terrisa Brinton
July 15, 2008
What a great lady Mrs. Besana was, I remember her from my days at Roseville High School working in the office as an assistant. I would often think of her with fond memories.
Larry Roberts
July 15, 2008
Dear Besana Family,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time of loss. May you take comfort in the warm memories of this wonderful woman you were so blessed to have. I have many fond memories of the Besana and Rastler family and Donner Ave.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gadberry
July 15, 2008
Fred and Freddy B., my sister informed me over the weekend of Sylvia's passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. We lost my Dad 8 years ago and I still miss him. She led a great life and touched many hearts. Freddy B., even though I did not know your Mom all that well she was always very friendly toward me. After reading her obituary I know why now. I did not know that she had a little Placer Hillmen blood in her until then! I will try to call you this week but in case my telephone numbers for you are not accurate please telephone me at (714)904-8677. I would love to get in touch with you. Sincerely, Jeff Gadberry #22.
Sharon Donaldson
July 15, 2008
What a huge loss to the family and to the community. Mrs. B was a really classy lady and I enjoyed working with her when my children were in school and and later in the community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Cynthia Milardovich
July 15, 2008
When I was young, my family lived next door to the Besana's from birth until each of us left home. Sylvia was a wonderful neighbor and friend and dedicated much time to our city and organizations close to her heart. My love and prayers are with the Besana family during this sad time.
Pam Keen (Winnett)
July 15, 2008
God Bless Mrs. B's family. Mrs. B was a wonderful lady, she was a very positive influence in my life during my highschool years. She touched us all in one way or another. She was a classy lady and we all benefited just knowing her. She will be missed greatly! God Bless
Andrea Bermudez-Crozier
July 15, 2008
Mr. Besana & Fred, Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My mother and I know all too well what you are going through as we lost my father one month ago. Mrs. Besana was a wonderful woman and great inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Mary and Andrea Bermudez
Teresa Gemignani
July 15, 2008
There is no way to capture the spirit and heart of Sylvia in mere words. She is such a part of many of our whole lives. We can only hope to be a bit like her as we go on and to do just a bit of what she did for everyone else. This hole will take a long time to heal but I know she is in heaven.
Ann Enriquez (Baria)
July 15, 2008
She was a wonderful lady, everyone will miss her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lora (Maffei) Williams
July 15, 2008
Thank God for such a Wonderful Lady. I gave her a hard time in school and she was Always Fair and Understanding even if I didn't think so at the time.
Jim Mueller
July 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. What a classy lady Mrs. B was. She will be missed!
Ophelia Martinez
July 15, 2008
My heart is heavy for I have lost my best friend but I'm left with many wonderful memories and great times. She will be greatly missed but I know she is on to organizing greater events and making others smile.
Denise Weeks-Coleman
July 15, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Besana's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. She will surely be missed.
Former Roseville High Student
Kristen (Chavez) Bertrand
July 14, 2008
With a very saddened heart I send my deepest sympathies. I've known Mrs. Besana my entire life. There was always a warm hug and a heartfelt smile when she greeted you. Even when I was called into her office in high school for cutting class. The Besana family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Chavez
July 14, 2008
Roseville will miss this great lady. I have always respcted her and was thankful to call her friend
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