C. Barbara Sylvia

A lifelong New Bedford resident, Mrs. Sylvia was the daughter of the late Felix and Mary (Kolpak) Dabrowski.

Barbara graduated from New Bedford High School in 1937. She then pursued business and accounting courses, and numerous federal seminars. In addition to, she and her husband, owning and operating a popular North End Restaurant known as “Barbara’s” from 1944 to 1962; she worked as an office manager for Aerovox, Cornell Dubilier and LaStraite Associates. She was controller for a group of affiliated Cosmetology Schools from 1971 to 1983; (LaBaron of New Bedford, Inc., LeBaron of Florida Inc., and Kay Harvey of Springfield, Inc.) before retiring. She was a member and past president of the Polish American Veterans Auxiliary, member of St. Casimir Senior Citizens Club, member of the National AARP and Dartmouth AARP #1257, past treasurer and past vice president of the New Bedford Woman’s Club.

Survivors include a son, Attorney Edward J. Sylvia, Jr. and his wife Suzanne of South Dartmouth; a daughter Arlene Klausen and her husband E. Thomas Klausen of Swansea; a sister, Janice Jarus of MD; 6 grandchildren, Douglas and David Sylvia, Danielle (Sylvia) Cabral, Marcella (Pereira) Bouchard, Mario Pereira and Gina Pereira, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Sheriff Edward K. Dabrowski and Wanda Ohlinger.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10am at ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be Monday from 5-8pm. Burial in St. John Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to St Anthony Shrine and Ministry Center, 100 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110-1100.