Monday, March 4, 2024
I am truly blessed to have Sylvia Ann Johnson as my Auntie and my godmother. When I think of Auntie Sylvia some of the words to best describe her are faithful, generous, kind, humble, hardworking, selfless, beautiful, stylish, listener, strong, devoted and loving.
One of my favorite stories while listening to my mom and the aunties reminisce is the pretend school story. Of course Auntie Julie was the teacher and gave everyone, (I believe Millie, Alma, and Sylvia) a pretend name. Julie called on Sylvia and asked her to say her name, Sylvia replied, oh I begot...teacher Julie was patient and then little Sylvia said, " oh I bemember, Pjama " My mom and I often repeat this story.
It was a bonus when we would visit my grandpa and grandma Holtan that my Auntie and Uncle and cousins lived next door. I remember how clean, organized and beautiful their home was and how much fun I had playing with my cousins. Sylvia would give us peanut butter and grape jelly English muffins. Everything she made was delicious and we watched Casey Jones in the living room.
I remember she was talking to my dad about someone she admired for all the things they did for others. My dad reminded her of all the family gatherings that she hosted, all the homemade food she made and served, for inviting everyone that was a friend of a family member (who was alone on Christmas), for always being there for everyone. Auntie Sylvia was so humble, it never crossed her mind, all that she did and gave to others. Sylvia and Don carried on the tradition that our grandparents had of anyone that is a friend of a family member is part of the family and always welcome.
When Sylvia was talking about someone she admired in the family, she would say " They are unusually kind, beautiful or talented." You knew when she made that statement, she really looked up to them.
Sylvia and Don hosted so many family get togethers, celebrations, showers, and holidays over the years. They would host so many people and serve so much food, it was like a 5-star restaurant. Sylvia would always come out of the kitchen looking like a million bucks! She had a traditional style with a modern twist and always looked so beautiful! I think I have a passion for fashion because of my mother and her sisters, I know it's true! Sylvia wore hot pink and orange together and was well coordinated with matching accessories.
I know my sister Vicki and Sylvia talked on the phone quite often and Sylvia was a great listener to my sister and gave her wonderful advice and shared her faith with her. Both of them learned to drive later in their lives and they probably shared funny driving stories.
Auntie Sylvia worked on the playground for many years and what a wonderful Angel to have watching over your children.
She had great stories about the little kids.
Sylvia was known to be a hard worker, beyond a hard worker with energy unmatched! She cleaned, helped at Boulevard Gardens, helped at school, and babysat kids. She was such a helper to everyone, always!
I remember when Jacob was born, and Auntie Sylvia became Nana and oh how she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. I admired how she knew so much about each of them, about school, activities, friends, challenges, achievements. She absolutely " lit up " when talking about any one of them. She truly treasured each of them, so dearly.
I remember when Maija was born, and Julie asked me to be her Godmother. Well Julie barely finished her question and I answered with an excited YES! Yes, of course, what a blessing! Moments later I was reminded of what a high bar Auntie Sylvia had created being my Godmother and I was less sure that I could handle the task. Of course, I did except the honor and always thought about all the amazing things Sylvia did for me. Of all the things, the one thing that stands out is, SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE, SHE ALWAYS SHOWED UP, & SHE ALWAYS SUPPORTED ME. My Auntie Sylvia has been an incredible example of an amazing human and the best role model that I could have ever dreamed of. I am better because of knowing her and watching
how she navigated life, family, work, and most of all her faith.
I am forever grateful to my parents to have chosen Auntie Sylvia to be my Godmother and I am forever grateful to this amazing woman who will I always miss in my life. I love you Auntie Sylvia, and thanks a million as Grandma Anna would say for all you have done for so many during your time here. It's really quite an amazing and blessed life !
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