Sylvia Gilbert ... formerly of Rochester; at 93

ROCHESTER - Sylvia Gilbert, formerly of Rochester, and Port Charlotte, Fla., died peacefully on Jan. 21, 2025 at the age of 93, in Ocala, Fla. Sylvia was the daughter of Albert Michel and Arlene (Brochu) Michel. She was predeceased by her sister, Irene Ludemann, and her brother, Norman Michel.

Sylvia was born in Rochester on Dec. 1, 1931. She attended Holy Rosary High School. Sylvia was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend. She was always thinking of others and unfailingly there for her loved ones. She enjoyed bowling, knitting beautiful sweaters for family, card games with family and friends, weekly outings with Justine and trips to York Beach. She worked at Sanborn-McDuffee furniture store and later at the Homemakers of Strafford County, where she was a Homemaker and assisted in the Day Out program.

Upon retirement at age 62, Sylvia moved to Port Charlotte, where she spent many days enjoying the Gulf beaches. She would often joke, "Just another boring sunny day." Sylvia made many new friends in Florida, especially her devoted companion, Raymond Dextraze, with whom she shared 10 happy years.

Sylvia is survived by her daughters, Jean Volonino, of Ocala, Fla., and Linda Siciliano, of Kensington, along with her two sons-in-law, Peter Volonino and Paul Siciliano, who were like sons to her. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Michel, as well as several nieces and nephews and her lifelong friend, Rita Roberts.