Sylvia A. Despaw, 82, Norfolk

NORFOLK – Sylvia A. Despaw, 82, a longtime resident of South Main Street, peacefully passed away early Sunday morning, March 3, 2024 at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Sylvia was born on October 19, 1941, in Massena, the daughter of the late John P. and Thelma (Durant) Davis.

She attended schools in Massena, where she was a proud graduate of the Class of 1957.

On November 28, 1959, she married Howard L. Despaw at St. John’s Episcopal Church. They were blessed with 4 children and 60 years of marriage prior to his death on January 18, 2020.

Sylvia worked in retail for 32 years, working first at Grant’s then at Ames Department Store. She also owned and operated Sylvia’s River Lounge in Helena for 5 years. Sylvia retired in 1996, but remained extremely active within her community.

At age 55, she joined local Senior Citizens in Norwood and Massena. At the Norwood Golden Agers, she served as their president for 10 years, previously as a vice president, and member of the Board of Directors. She had recently helped them reorganize to become more active again.

In Massena, Sylvia proudly served as their President for 12 years, a member of the Board of Directors, and worked on many functions. At the county level, she was active at the St. Lawrence County Council of Seniors, serving multiple terms as their president and held various other offices with them.

Sylvia was not only active with the Senior Citizens, she was active with the local, county and state American Legion Auxiliary. As a member of the John Adams, Jr. Unit 925 of the Norfolk American Legion Auxiliary for over 30 years, she served multiple terms as President and Vice President, and was active with many committees within the Auxiliary.

She also served as the President and chaired various committees with the St. Lawrence County Auxiliary. She volunteered countless hours at the North Country Veterans Clinic and along with her husband shopped and purchased gifts for veterans in the nursing homes.

At the state level, Sylvia was a member, multi-leveled officer, and committee member in the 4th District, which consists of over 5,000 members in 11 counties. Sylvia proudly gave of her time, talent, and treasure to many and never forgot those who were in most need.

Despite the amount of time she dedicated to her community she never forgot the importance of her family and the precious memories and time she was able to spend with them especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed dancing and listening to music.

Sylvia is survived by her loving children, Shelly Despaw of Norfolk, Sean and Michelle Despaw of Potsdam, and Sharlene and Scott Lantry of Helena; her son-in-law, Jim Hartigan of Massena; 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her sisters, Theresa and Donald Walker and Cathy Carr; her half-sisters, Yancy LaPrade and June “Tibit” Davis-Lamay; her half-brother, Bruce Durant; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Shari Hartigan on January 15, 2024; a sister, Joyce Genaway; and a half-brother, John Davis, Jr.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may call Monday, March 11th 1-3:00 PM with a service at 3:00 PM with Rev. Judy VanKennan, officiating.

Burial will be held privately in Bixby Cemetery, Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made to the Norwood Golden Agers Senior Citizens or a veterans organization of one’s choice.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.