Virginia Marie Sylvester, 71

Antonito resident, Virginia Sylvester, passed away on June 28, 2017 of an inoperable brain tumor. Diagnosed with a rapidly advancing form of cancer on May 17, her sister, Nancy, a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) religious congregation, took Virginia to St. Mary’s Health Care Center in Monroe MI where she died in the loving care and presence of Nancy and her religious sisters.

Virginia was Director of the Antonito Senior Center since 2006.  She was actively involved in the local civic community serving on many boards as well as in elected office. She used her creativity to improve the Senior Center through writing grants, organizing annual trips to various parts of the country, and trying new initiatives to involve more people in the center. She loved reading and her four-footed friends.   

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Michael Derry, her parents Joseph and Virginia Sylvester and her aunt Renatta Wayne. She is survived by her sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM. Memorial liturgy will be held 10:00 Thursday, August 31 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 305 W 8th Ave, Antonito, Co.

At 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center, 701 Main St., Antonito, CO there will be a program honoring Virginia with speakers from the various boards and organizations she belonged to. If you are interested in speaking please call the Center 719-376-2294, so your name can be added to the program.  Refreshments will be served after the program. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Senior Center or to the IHM Sisters at 610 W. Elm, Monroe, MI 48162.