Obituary: Sylvia Ann Talmadge Vanderleest, 88, of Stony Lake

May 7, 2024

Sylvia Vanderleest

Sylvia “Poochie”, 88, (22 in leap years), of Stony Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2024. She was born February 29, 1936, in Saginaw, to the late Walter Lodes and Wanda Ruth Reading.

After years of being a stay-at-home mom enjoying her life at Stony Lake, Sylvia returned to work and retired from Shelby State Bank. She attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Sylvia was an avid baker and was known for her delicious sugar cookies, lemon cake, and blueberry buckle. She enjoyed a variety of music, especially Polka music, and always enjoyed a good dance party. Sylvia also enjoyed traveling to the many University of Michigan football games.

Sylvia is survived by: her children, Norman (Patti) Talmadge, SueEllen (Jeffery) Larmore, Vernon (Sonya) Talmadge, Steven Talmadge, and Kristi (Dan) Brogan; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Laurie Kilbourne, Bobbi Thompson, and Kellie Lodes Krane; brothers, Walt (Butch), John, and Greg Lodes; her loving cousin, Barbie Gajeski; and very special sister-in-law, Lois Nealey.

Sylvia was preceded in death by: husbands, Norman Carslake, Donald Talmadge, and Gordon Vanderleest; brother, Arthur Reading; and grandson, Christopher Hutchins.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, 413 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall.

Sylvia’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of SKLD of Whitehall for providing wonderful care to Sylvia for the last four and a half years.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.