Cynthia R. Sylvia

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Rose (Arruda) Barros, she had resided in E. Freetown for the past 50 years.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Art and Education from New Bedford Institute of Technology which lent itself to a long and rewarding career as the art teacher/specialist in the Freetown Public School System for 48 years. Her early career included elementary school teacher positions in Fairhaven and Hudson, Massachusetts.

Cindy was a member of the St. John Neuman Church Couples Club with her husband, Eddie, the Freetown Public Library Book Club and a founding member of the Garden Club in Hudson, Mass. A talented artist, her aptitude and savvy were ever visible at her home and in her garden including and especially at Christmas and Halloween when she often decorated with grace and whimsy. A dedicated and warm mother, wife, sister and aunt, she cherished good times spent with her loving family.

She is survived by her sons, Jay E. Sylvia of Onset, Paul Sylvia of Dartmouth and Glen Sylvia and his wife Jennifer of Apollo Beach, FL; her sister, Barbara Bernard of New Bedford; her brother, Bruce Barros of Bristol, RI; her grandchildren, Kayla, Jewelya and Jay; and a niece and several nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Sylvia Hebert.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Her Funeral will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., E. Freetown. Burial is private.