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Phyllis Sylvester Obituary
Born in Herkimer, NY on May 3, 1941, she was the daughter of Biagio and Angelina (Crescini) D'Ambrosio. She was a proud graduate of the Herkimer High School Class of 1959. In 1962, Phyllis married the love of her life, George Sylvester and their marriage was blessed with 5 children. They moved to Manchester, NH in 1977.
Phyllis was very active in the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Community. Besides working in the rectory, she had volunteered in the Ladies Guild, sang in the choir and was a Eucharistic Minister.
Her love of athletics had her teach aerobics at both the YMCA and the Senior Center, both in Manchester, for 25 years. Phyllis was also part of the Red Hats Society, loved running, cherished her time working in her home garden and was a wonderful loving wife and mother.
Family members include her husband of 63 years, George A. Sylvester of Manchester; her children, Anthony Sylvester of Manchester, Joseph Sylvester of Manchester, Donna Morrissette and husband Michael of Hooksett, Andrea Sylvester of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Jennifer Sylvester of Jersey City, NJ; one beloved granddaughter, Chloe Sylvester; siblings, Mary Lou Nichols of Albany, NY, Frances Woods of Overland Park, KS, Jackie Bianchi of Oswego, NY; several nephews, nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Marie Laufer of Rome, NY.
Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, Manchester, will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 am at St. Catherine Church. After cremation, burial will be with her family in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Catherine of Siena Parish Manchester, NH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Sylvester
Tina Torcia
June 13, 2025
Your family lived just around the corner from mine. Really good memories of our teen years in Herkimer New York. Elementary school, Middle school, especially High School. We were quite the group living on the south side of Herkimer. Heartfelt condolences for the Sylvester family. My prayers always. Tina Torcia
Veronica Molloy
June 8, 2025
Phyllis made every effort to be involved with her Saint Catherine of Siena church community over all the years that I've known. She was a smiling welcoming person in the neighborhood as a runner, walker and in the Parish through various activities and of course, the mass. Though our relationship was built on short conversations at church, during church events or through random encounters on the street, I know she will be missed in my life and in the fabric of our generation as we weave together who we in our last years. There could be no better description of Phyllis than that offered in the eulogy offered by her family following her mass. She was a gift to all of us. My condolences to George and the Sylvester family.
Don Marrone
June 5, 2025
Dear George and Family. Pat and I send our sincerest condolences to you and yours. We are keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Don Marrone
Laurence Zankowski
June 4, 2025
Dancing with Phyllis at Y events, working with her son Joe on the Concerts on the River series, teaching Donna the fine art of Nautilus training, coaching Andrea at the Manchester Gymnastics Academy. Invited to family dinners/ gatherings. Thank you Phyllis. Deepest condolences to George and the family.
Clark Dumont
June 3, 2025
Congratulations on a life well-lived, Phyllis.
You were so much energy for goodness, and we left nothing on the floor at aerobics at the Manchester YMCA. You were inspirational.
Catherine C. Paige
June 3, 2025
Butch and Family, So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Cousin Kate Chippari Paige
Patti Halpin Mazza
June 3, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Laurie Gill
June 3, 2025
To the family of Phyllis: How sad to lose her. She was so nice, so friendly. I remember her from the aerobic classes at the YMCA. She was always there, either teaching the class or going running. I am sure she will be missed by all.
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