Sylvia Josephine Worrall, nee Spencer (September 24, 1940 – October 2, 2023), 83, has passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.  Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Sylvia had an impact on many.  She was a very giving soul who relished making others happy.

Born and raised in Bay Village, Ohio, Sylvia was one of eight children.  Her parents were hardworking and loving people who sacrificed much for their family.  At the age of 20, Sylvia enlisted in the Navy, following in the footsteps of two of her older brothers, both of whom served in the Navy during World War II, one not returning home.  The third of her older brothers and many of her nephews and nieces all served in the military as well.  Sylvia was fiercely proud of her military service, and that of her family.

While stationed in Philadelphia, she met and married her first husband.  Sylvia received an honorable discharge from the Navy in October, 1961 and she and her husband were transferred to Narraganset, Rhode Island, where they started a family and welcomed two sons.  Unfortunately, the marriage didn't last, and Sylvia and her sons moved back to the Cleveland area.

A few years later, Sylvia was introduced to her second husband by one of her older sisters.  He was in the Army, and she joined him in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He adopted her two sons, and together, they had a daughter.  Sylvia loved to travel and explore, and was more than happy to spend three years in Germany when her husband was transferred there.  She worked hard to make this time fun for her children, taking them camping and skiing, and enjoying the German culture.  From Germany, the family was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas.

Sylvia fell in love with Texas, and would often tell people that Texas was, "not just a state, but a state of mind."  With her children all being of school age, Sylvia began working in the school cafeterias.  She enrolled in the local community college and earned an Associates Degree in Hotel and Motel Management, with an emphasis on Food Service Management.  She quickly worked her way to a position as Manager, then later accepted a position as Food Service Director for an entire school district.  In her free time, she took painting classes, enjoyed sewing and crafts, and spent time with her children.  She described painting as her "therapy."

After more than 20 years dedicated to the school system, Sylvia retired.  When her marriage ended, she moved first to Houston to spend time with family, then to Dallas to be near her daughter.  There, she began working as a receptionist, which she did until finally retiring in 2014.  Sylvia ultimately relocated to southern California to again be near her daughter, her son-in-law and two of her grandchildren.  In her new community, she volunteered and helped wherever she could.

Sylvia loved her family and her friends above all.  She left soft footprints all along her path through this life, and she will be remembered for her love, generosity, and steadfast friendship.  A celebration of life is being planned in Cleveland in the coming months.