Barbara Clara Sylvia

Barbara Clara (Kelly) Sylvia, 88, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on July 17th, in her longtime home accompanied by her son, William (Billy) Sylvia and husband, Donald Sylvia. Barbara grew up in Fairhaven, where she met her husband in 1953. She started working for the Interchurch council and continued working as a parent aid for the city of New Bedford for over 20 years. She was a devoted member of Smith Mills Church in Dartmouth for many years. She enjoyed sewing, bird watching, reading historical fiction, and creating memory gardens to honor two of her sons Butchy and Joe who passed before her. Barbara will be dearly missed and always remembered for her love for family, charity, books, and beautiful flowers. She was a descendant of the Mayflower expedition and a Captain of the Charles W. Morgan.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Clara and William Kelly, brother, William Kelly, son, Donald Sylvia, and son, Joseph Sylvia. She is survived by her husband, Donald, son, William, son, David(wife, Cindy), daughter-in law, Mary Ann Kelly, as well as grandchildren, Jessica Marmelo, Joshua Sylvia, Daniel Sylvia, and Sarah Winham, and great-grandchildren Nathan, Julian, Avery, Jameson, Jadyn, Annalyse, Jessa, Isaiah, Elijah, Noah, Ezra, Jude and Jonah.

A Celebration of Life Memorial for family and friends will be held at the meeting hall building behind United Church of Christ-Smith Mills Congregational Church on September 3rd, 2023 from 12PM-2PM. The church address is, 11 Anderson Way, North Dartmouth Ma. 02747. A light lunch of sandwiches and salad with coffee and beverages will be served. Barbara's favorite colors were purple,lavender, pink, and blue, it will be a casual affair so wear what you are comfortable in. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked at Barbara's request that any donations be sent to: Habitat for Cats, 1322 Ashley Blvd New Bedford Ma. 02745.