Bertha "Bert" Mae Sylva

Bertha Mae (Bert) Sylva left her earthly home to be with The Lord on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the Linda Vista Rehab Facility in Ashland, Oregon. Bert was born in Hornbrook on July 5, 1926, the fourth of six children to Ambrose and Ursa (Ainsworth) Dooley. She attended various schools in Siskiyou County and graduated from Yreka High School in 1944. She met the man of her dreams at a Christmas gathering before Midnight Mass in 1945. On July 25, 1947, she married Francis Sylva at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Yreka. She and Francis lived their entire 66 years of marriage on the Sylva Ranch in Willow Creek. Bert was a wonderful wife, mother, and Grammy, and she always provided a loving and caring home for her family, filled with song and laughter. She loved to socialize and was an amazing party planner. She was an incredible cook and dessert maker, and she always made sure no one ever left her house hungry. Bert was involved in many community organizations and clubs. She was a 4-H leader, a member of the California Cattlewomen and Yreka Trailriders, and she served on many committees for numerous clubs. She is survived by her husband, Francis; daughter Debbie Sylva of Montague; son David Sylva (wife Connie Lathrop) of Willow Creek; daughter Bonnie Sylva (husband Mark Powers) of Woodland; daughter Nancy Sylva (husband Robert Silva) of Orland; daughter Sheree Maupin of Salem, OR; grandchildren Caleb Wright, Chelsie Phillips (Mark), Kyla Sylva, Ambrose (AJ) Smelcer, Taylor Sylva, Alexis DeLeon (Dan), Travis Powers (Jenni), and Josh Breckenridge-Silva who preceded her in death; great-grandchildren Burgundee, Eddie, Branden, Dilynn, Liam, Dillon, Christopher, Reece, Owen, and Benjamin, her sister Edna (Dooley) Longstaff, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bert loved colorful flowers and butterflies. Her family requests that you wear anything with beautiful colors or butterflies to help us honor her at a celebration of life mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, September 27, at 1 p.m. A rosary will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m. at Girdner Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate it if you made a donation to Madrone Hospice, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.

Bertha "Bert" Mae Sylva

July 5, 1926 - September 22, 2013