Mary Sylvia Obituary

Mary Yvette (Williamson) Sylvia died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Health First Palm Bay Hospital in Palm Bay, FL. She was 89 years old. Mary was born in Fall River, MA, on August 18, 1937 to John P. Williamson and Yvette F. (Ste. Marie) Williamson. Mary was raised in Tiverton, RI and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Fall River, MA in 1955. Following graduation, she attended Rivier College (now Rivier University) in Nashua, NH for one year then elected to pursue a profession in hairdressing at a school in Boston, MA. She maintained her cosmetology license throughout her adult life, attentively styling the hair of family and friends. Mary married the love of her life, David J. Sylvia, on October 24, 1959 at Church of the Holy Ghost parish in Tiverton, RI. Mary's greatest blessing in life was her eight children. Her love for her family inspired her to become an active community member supporting the Nonquit Elementary School's parent/teacher association. Mary was also a troop leader of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years. Collaborating with other parents, Mary established the Tiverton Youth Soccer League. Her love for her Catholic faith inspired her to be an active member at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church by singing in the choir and working with the parish Women's Club. During her later years in Tiverton, she worked at The Mill Pond Shops at The Thistle. She was a skilled knitter commissioned to create beautiful hand-made sweaters while at Little Purls where she also enjoyed tutoring clients interested in the craft. She later knitted many, many items for her family.

David and Mary relocated to Palm Bay, FL in 1993 where they became members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and enjoyed many hours attending concerts and regional craft fairs. Mary is survived by their children: Mary Louise (of North Kingstown, RI), Debra (of Tiverton), David Michael (of Palm Bay), Mark (wife Elizabeth of Punta Gorda, FL), Matthew (of Palm Bay), Rebecca (of Tiverton), Robert (of Tiverton), and Kathleen (husband Richard Bolen Jr. of Palm Bay). Mary had 13 grandchildren: Amanda Borges, Joshua Raposo, Michael Raposo, Ali Peckham, Kyle Peckham, Jameson Peckham (wife Abby), Jaclyn Sylvia Almendinger (husband Kade), Rachelle Sylvia, Steven Sylvia (wife Jemma), Megan Sylvia, Colton Sylvia, Lauren Gacioch, and Sean Gacioch. She had 5 step-grandchildren: Matthew Borges, Ulysses Rodrigo Fabricio, Ashley Vieira, Richard Bolen III, and Bryce Bolen; and 3 great-grandchildren: Viggo, Sofia, and Daphne; and one step-great-grandchild Ivana "Ivy". Mary was predeceased by her husband David, her sister Louise Williamson, and by her brother Captain John "Jack" P. Williamson, USN Retired. She is survived by her brother Richard Williamson and wife Carolyn "Sue" Williamson and by her sister-in-law, Virginia "Jenny" Williamson (wife of Jack).

Calling hours are at Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home, 462 Main Rd, Tiverton, RI on Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. On Friday, October 30, will be additional calling hours from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at Church of the Holy Ghost,316 Judson St., also in Tiverton at 11:30 a.m. Graveside burial services will be held at Pocasset Hill Cemetery, 638 Main Rd. in Tiverton.

Given Mary's devotion to her Catholic faith, donations are kindly requested for Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) at their website.( https://ewtnmission.com/donation/love-and-understanding/)