Janet Claire Sylvester

Janet Claire Sylvester, 86, of Springfield, died on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at her home. Janet was born February 11, 1930 in Boston, MA, the daughter of James W. and Mary T. (O'Loughlin) Connolly. She married Charles Edward Sylvester on May 31, 1952 in Boston, MA. Janet graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital Nursing Program in 1951. Nursing was her passion and she was employed as a Registered Nurse until her retirement after 50 years. She also taught English as a second language overseas and in the U.S. Janet greatly enjoyed going on cruises and ballroom dancing with her husband. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Joan M. Spears. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles Sylvester of Springfield; two daughters, Claudia J. (husband, Mike) Ferguson of Cathedral City, CA and Linda M. (husband, Jeffrey) Baker of Springfield; two sons, David B. and Dennis J. Sylvester, both of AZ; eleven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, 25 Club Area, Springfield, IL 62712.