Mary Louise Sylvia

Mary Louise Sylvia “Mary Lou” passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends in her home on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

She was born on January 11, 1937 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to the late George J. and Honora Sullivan Sylvia.

Mary Lou loved and practiced her Catholic faith throughout her life. She has been a faithful member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro for over 55 years. She sang in the church choir, lectored at Mass, and served on numerous committees over the years

Mary Lou lived in Waynesboro most of her life, where she first worked at Waynesboro Community Hospital as a nurse anesthetist and continued her career at Augusta Health in Fishersville when the hospitals from Staunton and Waynesboro combined.

Mary Lou was truly a person of many gifts. She loved people and never forgot someone’s special occasion such as a date of birth, wedding, etc. Her memory for dates and facts was astounding. She had a lovely singing voice and a clear, amazing voice for lecturing or just plain speaking with friends. In short, Mary Lou had such a flair in so many areas that if you met her, you would never forget her.

Mary Lou’s older sister, Joan Sylvia, survives her, along with many loving friends who took care of her until she entered eternal life.

A funeral Mass will take place at 12:00 PM on March 13, 2024 at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro. The funeral will be live streamed for those who cannot attend from the website stjohnevan.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift for one of Mary Lou’s passions; she loved nursing and education. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Nursing Excellence Fund at Augusta Health Foundation by mail: PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 or online: Augustahealth.com/foundation