I'm sorry to see Sydney's Proverbial Cat Calendar legacy end. It was a staple throughout the New Year and I will miss seeing  her proverbial cat wisdom. Hope your resting easy Sydney.

Mary Hennessy

This morning, I was unpacking after a move. I came across an A. Lincoln quote that Sydney and I enjoyed in 1986. She later made it into gift card and sent me a framed proof.  She was a lady of beauty, intelligence and class.  I will always remember dinners we shared when I revisited Florida.    Her passing leaves a vacancy in this world and adds a star in the next.

Something inspired me to search for Sydney on the Internet today, and, like so many others writing in this book, I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing.  I did not know her well, but her gentle and wonderful manner left a strong and unforgettable impression on me when I met her 30 years ago, before moving away from Sarasota.  We went to dinner once, and for that informal occasion, Sydney presented me with the most wonderful present.  In her beautiful calligraphy, she had made a copy of a poem that I had published in a magazine.  That framed copy is still right next to my computer as I write this.  Her art and spirit made many people happy.

I met dear Sydney in 1976 when my family opened a store on St.Armands. She had become part of my family from that day. I am honored that her family has let me continue her legacy out here on St. Armands circle. Everyday I get to look at her beautiful drawings and everyday I think about how this world has lost such a beautiful and talented woman. Sydney is not lost forever..she is in a wonderful place now surrounded by beauty. We will all get to see her again. God Bless all of you who knew Sydney and her dear sweet family.
Love to you all:
Lara Hatch Shayman (Uniquity of St.Armands)

I was just thinking of Sydney today and googled her.  I was very shocked to read of her passing.  Sydney did quite a bit of calligraphy for me and my gallery, The Hang-Up, and I am also from Birmingham, AL.  I will always have fond memories of her and her talent.

To Sydney's family and friends, my sad, sad condolences to you all. I just received news of her death and am rocked to my core. I met Sydney over 30 years ago, and like so many others, she drew my cats for her cards. I visited Sarasota to see my parents and met her in her shop. I considered her a sister. I loved her dearly, as did so many. Her character, her style, her quietness, her humility, her sensitivity...oh how I will miss her. My love to her family, to her friends, to all who knew and loved her so.

We graduated art school with Sydney in 1970. Over the past few years, she has graciously illustrated many of my cats in her calendar. (The photo is of my Persephone she used for February 2013 calendar) After not hearing from her in several months, I did some digging and now am heartbroken. She was a wonderful, generous, kind lady. Her artwork was top-notch; what a shame there won't be any more of it.

Like other fans, I had not known of Sydney's passing and my collections of her work will hold that much more meaning. A glance at her drawings always, always brings a smile and will be a great way to honor her 'feline spirit'. May she rest in peace.

We will never forget your fabulous talent, Sydney.  Love from the Owen family, Clare, Jim, Jaime, and Cary.

Loving thoughts & prayers to all Sydney's loved ones! I'm an artist in Denver & knew Sydney for many years! I was so honored when she asked if she could use my Mookie (Cat) for one of her cards years ago. I sold her work here in Denver at my gallery, The Sand Dollar, & so many people loved her art...so very talented & special beyond my words. I will miss her & always keep her in my heart.

Had I not gone searching for Sydney's 2013 Proverbial Cat Calendar today, I would not have known of her passing.  Her work brought great joy and will live on as a reminder of what really matters in life.  RIP Syndney.

Sydney was a good friend and I will miss her and pray that she is happy and without pain in heaven

Sydney will be missed and always remembered.  Our Community has lost a Treasure!

I just found out about Sydney's passing today... Sydney was a very dear and tender soul and talented artist and calligrapher. I am also a cat artist and we admired each others artwork for decades. I first met Sydney when I used to do her four color separations needed for printing her cards and calendars when I worked at Superior Color in Sarasota in the early 1980's. We were both Ringling Alumni Fine Art Majors, too. She will be missed by all that new and loved her and her wonderful body of work. She left the world a better place with her life and work. My sympathy to all her family for their terrible loss, and to all of you that were close friends, my heart is with you.

Sydney was so loved!   Our loss is heaven's gain. Until we meet again...

Prayers to all friends and family.  Sydney was a great neighbor and friend.  We used to take care of her animals when she needed it.  Cindy Jackson

We were just visiting Sydney,a neighbor of our daughter and son-in-law, Kerry & Greg Baker, for the first time in July....we are so devastated that this was our only visit.  What a delightful, gentle, sweet artistic soul.  Our common interests of art, nature and growing up as a Southerner, drew me to her like a moth to the light.  I felt we were kindred spirits immediately. Harry & I went home with two of her door hangers and looked forward to visiting her again.  I sent her photos of our visit and received a gracious note card of thanks in return which I will treasure...it said "I look forward to your visit again".  I know all of her family and friends will miss her terribly. Cherish your memories of Sydney and picture her happy with her cats walking in God's Heavenly garden among all the wonderful flora and fauna He also shared with us on earth.  
With sympathy & prayers for comfort & peace to all family,friends,neighbors, and others who were touched by Sydney's life-

Sidney was a true friend to all her neighbors, she was the sunshine of our community...cloudy days have followed the silent hush we feel today... her absence is a loss we will endure for years to come.... God rest Sydney

What a shock to read about Sydney. Many years ago we shared a special relationship. She was very special. May she rest in peace.

I grew up in Bluff Park with Sydney and went to elementary, jr high and high school with her. She was always so much fun and had so much talent. I have two of her acrylic paintings that I bought at the Bluff Park art show at least thirty years ago. They are still treasures and are proudly displayed in my husband's judicial chambers. I am so sorry to learn of her death. My sympathy to all her family and friends.

So saddened by Sydneys passing.  She was a true Southern Lady in every sense of the word.  Always a smile and a kind word or gesture.  She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.  Look out Frank...here she comes...reunited again.

My thoughts & Prayers go out to Sydney's Family & Friends, I used to visit her @ "Tabby Cat"  Such a wonderful sense of humor, talented artist, & I could just go "on and on" but there isn't enough room. I am sure many would agree.  Sidney was loved & will be missed by many.

I'm shocked and saddened beyond WORDS. She was JUST at my shop and I'm so glad I let her know how HONORED I was by her visit. I felt a kindred spirit in her. I was introducing her to Facebook! I have her prints at my shop and would love to have anything more as a remembrance. I recently E-MAILED her and asked if she'd like to work/paint at the shop. I loved her so much. I wish we lived closer or could have spent more time with each other. My loss. My deepest condolences to her family. Who is taking care of her beloved pets???  Can I help???

Sydney has been a neighbor and friend to us for the past 11 years.  We have a couple of her "pet door hangers" in our home which will be a daily reminder of Sydney and her incredible artistic talent.  We will dearly miss her beautiful smile, soft voice, and warm spirit.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Michael; Since I am from B'ham I read the B/News everyday & saw where your precious sister passed away! Please know prayers are with you & family: Your Friend from Bluff Park:

We had the honor of being Sydney's next door neighbors for three years, before we moved in May,and her presence was such a staple for us, on her golf cart, on her tractor, walking in the neighborhood, caring for the park, just always being there, quiet and peaceful. We had quite a few adventures with our animals and Sydney, not all of them were planned and could have been considered pretty big interruptions to her peaceful life,  but Sydney always reacted with class and compassion, like the time our cow decided to come on over, knocking down her swing, and leaving as Sydney delicately called it "her calling cards" everywhere...or the time said cow, came over and slipped and fell in her driveway, causing hours of work, trying to lift her up and drag her out. Not to mention visits from our mini bull, I had to stifle laughter seeing teeny Sydney, dragging an errant bull, with a makeshift rope/choke collar :) down our driveway, she never stayed mad long and I have to say, she could handle a bull like any cowboy...She was sweet to our children and just a stellar neighbor. It was such a great shock and sorrow to our family to hear of her passing and we are praying for all the neighbors who will miss her constant presence, and all the things she did behind the scenes...all the ways she made everything more beautiful-we so enjoyed looking at all she created and admired her attention to detail. I am certain she leaves a great gap in the wall, and so we pray. We pray for her family and for peace over them in this time of sorrow. May God bless Sydney and her family, and all the neighbors and friends who mourn her loss...she is already greatly missed.

 Sydney ,  You will always have the true spirit of an artist . My condolences to your family and many friends.

We are saddened to hear of Sydney's passing. Our hearts are full of sorrow for your loss. She will live on through her art, touching lives in a very special way. Be at peace Ms. Sydney...

OBITUARY

Sydney Rhodes Hauser

Ridout's Valley Chapel

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