Joan Manning Sylvia

Joan Manning Sylvia, age 81 of Fairhaven, MA and Venice, FL passed away on May 9, 2016 at the Hospice House of Venice. She was the loving wife of Norman A. Sylvia and they were married 58 years. Born in New Bedford, MA she was the daughter of the late Richard H Manning, Jr. and Mary (Mae) Sweeney. She lived in New Bedford most of her life before moving to Fairhaven and Venice several years ago. Joan was a graduate of Holy Family High School and was employed by Met Life for 31 years. She was a member of the New Bedford Catholic Women's Club. She enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and her many loving friends. Survivors include her daughter, Anne Marie Gardner and her husband, Scott of Durham, NC and a son, Timothy J. Sylvia and his wife, Mary Catherine Cross, of Ellicott City, MD. Her grandchildren include Matthew Cross, Andrew Sylvia, Edward (Ted) Sylvia, Eric Gardner, Andrew Gardner and one great grandson. She had one niece, Joan Marie Pepin and her husband, Michael Woods, of Arlington, VA and their three children Caroline, Richard, and Charlie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Richard L. Pepin, of Fairhaven. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Manning Pepin. She also leaves several cousins. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Rafael's Catholic Church in Englewood on May 16 at 10AM. There will be services in New Bedford, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rafael's Catholic Church, 770 Kilbourne Ave. Englewood, Fl 34223.