Sylvia Jeanette Jordan

Jordan, Sylvia, 73, passed away peacefully at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab Center in West Kingston, RI on April 9, 2024.

Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Dolores (Correia) Jordan and her sister Cynthia (Jordan) Ellingson of San Diego, CA. Lovingly remembered by her daughters, Melissa Gauvin and her husband Roger Pelletier of Williamsburg, VA, Jeanette Gauvin and her husband Joshua Stine of New York, NY, and Bobbie Jo Berlinski and her husband Thomas of East Rutherford, NJ. She also leaves her beloved sister, Joyce (Jordan) Fontaine and her husband Roger of South Hill, VA. She leaves her cherished granddaughters Remy, Aniela, and Natalia. Nieces and Nephews from all over the world.

Special thanks to South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, and Pawtucket Skilled Nursing, and Continuum Hospice & Palliative Care for their continued care and nurturing over the last 15 years.

Sylvia’s earthly life began on May 30, 1950 to Joe and Dolores Jordan and joining her older sister Cynthia then being joined by her younger sister Joyce. Spending her journey in Central Falls and Pawtucket, RI, and Cumberland, RI where she developed many lifelong friends. Sylvia was uniquely beautiful, magnetic and engaging.

When Sylvia was very young- to her family’s delight- she was attracted to oil painting and drawing. She painted with such nuance that her gift of creativity was revealed at a very early age and followed her through all of the colorful roles she would fill throughout her life. Sylvia was here to live her life with unbridled curiosity which paired with those colorful roles she would fill.

Sylvia attended Tolman High School in Pawtucket, RI where she was very popular being chosen for the Queen’s Court for her junior prom.

Sylvia married very young and became a mom right away. Marriage and motherhood would be such a challenge to any young woman but Sylvia’s creativity would prove how easy she made everything seem. Making costumes for Halloween, holiday dinners, holiday decorating, and many other things that make memories special.

During the 80’s Sylvia’s talents would continue to emerge where she ventured into the food industry. Opening a small luncheonette, she brought to the world Rhode Island cuisine such as Fish n Chips and Clam Cakes and Chowder on top of many comfort foods that brought a family vibe to its patrons. These efforts would evolve into catering a small wedding and other events offsite. From there she transitioned to a formal culinary role with Sky Chefs in Boston.

In the 1990s, Sylvia would reach another level of success in the sales industry. First, selling cars for Fournier Jeep in Pawtucket where she brought a feminine touch to a very masculine world. She was a groundbreaker and a success in the sales industry. She would evolve into sales of all kinds, including furniture where her magnetic aura just brought her success. She also acquired a companion, a Pekingese dog named Gizmo and a kitty named Cleo. Both brought her a lot of enjoyment in her life.

In the early 2000’s, Sylvia would face some challenging health issues at a very young age. She was a survivor who always made the best of any situation she faced. Later, she would face even more challenges with her health that would take her independence. As you might imagine, this did not stop the sparkle that gleamed within her. At her home, she hosted and headed relations between residents and staff and was an amazing presence with her wardrobe and hats and magnetism. She was very well liked by people from all over.

Contracting COVID in 2020, she proved again that she was a survivor. She made it through the intensive care unit and was even asking for clam chowder. Covid proved to leave long term effects on Sylvia, but she still cruised around with pride on her mobility scooter wearing her hats and sparkle.

Despite the setbacks and difficulties from her illnesses she was a trooper who loved the company of her family during holidays and other events. She especially loved her granddaughters who brought her energy and love that kept her just wanting more.

Sylvia loved music and listened to Neil Young and the Beatles. After Thanksgiving, the holiday season kick off with holiday music and decorating parties. She also loved her DVD collection which included Dances with Wolves and Tombstone.

Sylvia was a true Rhode Islander and loved to be by the seashore enjoying clam cakes and chowder from the Rocky Point Shore Dinner Hall when it was still around. Later, she enjoyed Iggy’s and Flo’s Clam Shack for similar fare.

Sylvia would want people to remember her as unforgettable; and for those who knew her that will certainly be unforgettable. Most of all, though, she’ll be remembered for her stamina, bravery, and love for her family.

Although her earthly life is over, her essence and spirit will find you somehow, somewhere, sometime.

The family acknowledges with sincere gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Sylvia by the many caregivers from South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, Optum Medical Services and Continuum Hospice & Palliative Care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Avery-Storti Funeral home located at 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI. Calling hours will be held on Friday April 12, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately following at 11 am in St. Francis of Assisi,114 High Street, Wakefield, RI.

Donations can be made in honor of Sylvia Jordan to the South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab Activities Department:

Attention: Activities Department

SKNR

2115 South County Trail

West Kingston, RI 02892