Sylvia Eva Elkins

Mystic - Sylvia Eva (Gerrish) Elkins passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Orono, Maine, on May 23, 1936, to the late William and Mildred (Varney) Gerrish. She and her family moved to Mystic in 1952, where she met her future husband, Donald R. Elkins. They wed on July 3, 1954 and had just celebrated 59 wonderful years together.

Sylvia graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School and worked for many years as a paralegal for the New London City Attorney. She retired in 1992 to care for her loving mother. Nothing meant more to her than her family. She was always so giving of herself to those around her and she will be sorely missed.

In addition to her husband, Donald, she is survived by her three children, James W. Elkins and his wife, Diane, John L. Elkins, and Kelley (Elkins) Osborn and her husband, Daniel. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory her grandchildren, Donald Elkins II and Ashley (Elkins) Price, Lisa Elkins, Elizabeth and Daniel Osborn Jr., John and Spencer Elkins; and three great-grandchildren, Alex, Ethan, and Jacob Price. She is also survived by her sister, Marion Connolly and her husband, Everett; her brother, Lawrence Gerrish and his wife, Barbara; and her sister-in-law, Rebecca Gerrish; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Joanne Gerrish; and a brother, William C. Gerrish.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Mystic. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in her memory to the First United Methodist Church, 23 Willow St., Mystic, CT 06355.

To share a message of condolence or remembrance with the family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com