Evelyn Leslie Sylvanus' Obituary
Evelyn Leslie Tozier Sylvanus, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2022, in Lewes, Delaware. She was born in 1933 in Paterson, NJ, daughter of the late Daniel P. and Evelyn Filson Tozier, and spent her childhood in Ridgewood with her parents and sister.
Leslie is a graduate of Ridgewood High School and Bucknell University. In 1956, when Leslie was a bridesmaid in a sorority sister’s wedding, she was paired with Jim Sylvanus. A whirlwind courtship ensued, and they were married the following year. As part of Jim’s career with the DuPont Company, the young couple began their life in Wilmington, DE, before moving to Camden, TN and Antioch, CA, and then returning to Wilmington again.
Leslie worked as a teacher in all of these locations, and finished her career as a Middle School teacher at Ursuline Academy. Jim and Leslie retired to Prospect Bay in Grasonville, MD, where they spent many happy years. They also had a short stint in Taiwan before finally settling in Lewes.
Leslie had many interests and hobbies. She was a member of the DAR, a Master Gardener, accomplished baker, avid reader and singer in numerous church choirs. Leslie also found time to volunteer at the Beebe Hospital Thrift Shop and take her grandchildren on numerous Elderhostel trips. She is remembered for her serenity and calm demeanor and love of the many cats and dogs that were part of her family over the years. Leslie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Loved by many, she will be deeply and genuinely missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Moorings Skilled Care center for their excellent care of Leslie in her final years.
Leslie is survived by her husband of 65 years, James E. Sylvanus; her children: Amy Coogan (Kevin), and Dave Sylvanus (Maria); her grandchildren: Catherine (Jay Hobbs), Anna, Joseph, and Lillian Coogan along with Monica Sylvanus and step granddaughter, Mary Green; and her 2 great granddaughters. She also leaves behind a sister, Edith Stocks of Palm City, FL, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where friends may visit beginning with 10:00 AM. Burial will be private.
Mask wearing is required, and social distancing must be observed by all service attendees and participants.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Leslie's memory to The Moorings Foundation, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE, 19958.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN 1:00 PM AND 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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