Dominica Ann Sylvester

1940 - 2026

Dominica Ann Sylvester
02/03/1940 - 02/07/2026
Dominica Ann SylvesterFeb 3, 1940 - Feb 7, 2026
Dominica Ann Sylvester, 86, of Grass Valley, CA peacefully passed away on Saturday February 7, 2026, with family at her side.
Born in Newburgh, NY to Dominick and Marie Sylvester and was raised there with her younger brother, Paul. Dominica met her former husband, Michael Harpold at a West Point mixer. They married and raised three daughters together, moving across the country and ultimately settling in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dominica was a notoriously exceptional cook, an avid gardener and highly skilled crafter. She enjoyed a wide variety of mediums but was particularly fond of the fiber arts. From fleece to a finished garment, Dominica could do it all. She was an excellent teacher and shared her creative passions with her daughters as well as her grandchildren.
Dominica held many jobs over the years, and remarkably, was able to find some reflection of her personal interests in each. From working in a photography studio, owning a fiber shop, running her own wallpapering business, to handing out samples at Costco, she applied her gregarious nature and life experiences to make connections with those around her.
Animals were a great source of companionship and amusement through out Dominica's life. From chickens and geese to cats and little red Dachshunds, they immediately recognized her as a soft touch.
A dedicated member of the AA community, Dominica was due to receive her 40 year chip this May. She was grateful for the support and fellowship and often baked goodies for meetings, and looked forward to cooking for their annual camping trip.
Dominica is preceded in death by her father, mother and brother. She is survived by her daughters Dominica Dowd, Michelle (Mario) Denning and Kathryn Harpold, grandchildren Conhor (Bill) Ims, Kylie Dunn, Kerriann Light (Daniel Killian), James Light, Mario's children Dominic Mario Denning and Alessandra Giovanna Denning and great-grandchildren Einen Ims, Liam Ims and Sloane Dominica Light.