Sylvia Rockwell, 97, of Swanzey, passed away on September 8, 2017 at the Carpenter Home.
She was born November 29, 1919 in Marlborough, NH, the daughter of Lempi Selina (Kallio) and Carl O. Valonen. She grew up in Troy and graduated from Troy High School in 1937, of which she was the last survivor of her class. She continued her education at Keene State College where she received an Associate's Degree in Accounting.
In 1945, Sylvia married the love of her life, Cecil Rockwell.
Sylvia was employed as an Accountant by NH Ball Bearings. She also dabbled in real-estate and worked at Elliot Community Hospital for a period. Upon retirement, Sylvia and her husband moved to Florida where they resided for nearly 25 years before returning back to New Hampshire.
Gardening and hunting were two of Sylvia's favorite hobbies. She stayed busy and very involved with her community as a member of the Order of the Easter Star in Keene and Hillsborough, Elks, Moose, IMC, and a parishioner of the Lutheran Church in Troy, NH. She enjoyed traveling the country with Cecil – visiting 49 of the 50 states.
Sylvia will be fondly remembered as a loving and caring mother and "mummu" to her grandchildren. Her sense of humor will not be forgotten.
Sylvia will be dearly missed by her children: Shirley Rose and her husband Lee of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Bruce Rockwell of North Swanzey; grandchildren: Linda Rose of Troy, Bruce Rockwell, Jr. of Swanzey, Missy Rockwell of Swanzey, and David Ward of Keene; lots of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a niece: Linda Lundgren of Lakewood, CO; a nephew: Arthur Valonen of Springfield, MA; and many cousins and extended family members.
Sylvia was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years: Cecil Rockwell; daughter: Karen Austin; grandchildren: Susan Rose, Rhonda Smith, and Tommy Ward; brother: Rudolph Valonen; sister-in-law: Carole Rockwell; and beloved Boston Terrier: Lizzy.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Mountain View Cemetery in Swanzey, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sylvia Rockwell's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Fletcher Funeral Home.
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