1936 – 2016

NORWAY — Sylvia Anne Dyke Clanton of Newry passed away peacefully Friday, July 29, at the tender age of 80.

Sylvia was born Feb. 25, 1936, in Barrington, N.J., to Sidney A. and Verna Berry Dyke. Growing up an “Air Force brat,” Sylvia lived all over the world with her mother and father, an Air Force pilot. After graduating from Simmons College in Boston, Mass., Sylvia was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Air Force by her father. It was during her 7½ years in the Air Force that she met the love of her life, Norman, also an Air Force officer.

In 1965, with the birth of her first child, Sylvia left military service to devote the full measure of her limitless energy and capacity for caring to her new role as mother. By 1969, Sylvia was caring for three children and praying daily for the safety of their father, at that time serving the nation in Southeast Asia.

Following Norman’s retirement from the Air Force in 1981, the whole family resettled to the Bethel area. During the 35 years since returning to Bethel, Sylvia has been an active and prominent member of the local community, serving as trustee of the Bethel Historical Society, chaplain of the American Legion Post 81, a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, and a proud lifetime member of Women In Military Service of America (WIMSA).

As a former U.S. Air Force officer, devoted wife of 53 years, mother of three, and supporter of countless volunteer and public service enterprises, Sylvia embodied everything that is right about America. Her passing leaves a hole in our community that can never be filled, and she will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.

She is survived by husband, Norman; son, Mark, daughter?in?law, Setsuko and grandson, Shintaro; beloved daughter, Lisa and son?in?law, Gabriel; son, Keith and daughter?in?law, Vera; granddaughters, Vivienne and Margot; brother, Sidney; and brother?in?law and sister?in?law, Will and Dee Ullrich.

Sylvia would insist that we thank all of the members of “the Berry Patch” and everyone in the Bethel and Newry communities who have done so much to support her family over the years, particularly during this difficult time. Condolences can be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com.