Sylvia Julia Chance was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 13, 1931. She was the youngest of four children. Her early life was very hard. Her mother died when Sylvia was only four years old. What followed can only be described as a very sad and lonely life. Her childhood taught her to be resilient. As she recounted her life it was very clear that these hard times shaped her determination. Sylvia had Grit!!

She was certain that life had to be better than it had been up to this point. This put her on the path to searching and working for that life. She found it. Sylvia was a good student. In her studies she found that she loved art, and it was an excellent way to express herself. She even won a scholarship to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. She would go on to become an accomplished professional artist with her own gallery in Laguna Beach. She continued to pursue her passion for painting her entire life.

Eventually she moved to Arizona then Los Angeles where she went to airline school in Hollywood. This wouldn’t be her career path, but while there she made friends that would last a lifetime. One of those friends is Lois McCoy. They remained friends from their teens until the day Sylvia died. During her time in Los Angeles, she met and would later marry Max. They had four wonderful children: Valerie, Melinda, Max Jr., and Steven. Max and Sylvia were married 72 years before he passed away on June 27, 2022.

As she wrote stories about her life experiences, she was so descriptive and detailed, you felt like you were right there with her. You see, writing was another of her gifts and talents. In one of her stories, she ended it by saying, “I was right, there was something better out there.” Sometimes strangers are kinder than family. Sylvia was blessed to have experienced this love and kindness firsthand.

Above all, she was blessed with her husband, Max. A treasured gift in her life is how she described him.

Sylvia learned that she had to have a relationship and dependence on God. This led her to her Catholic Faith. She raised her four children in the faith as well. After all, her kids were the best part of her.

Max and Sylvia served at St. Edward’s Church for many years as ushers and members.

Sylvia was a friend to many; she will be missed. She is Loved.

From the moment her dear Max took his last breath she longed to be with him. She missed him so much.

Sylvia died on March 26, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family.

Now they are together, again. All is well!!

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15