Sylvia Duffy Connolly

Sylvia Duffy Connolly
November 12, 2014

Sylvia Duffy Connolly, 72, of Chittenango, passed away on Wednesday.
Sylvia Duffy Connolly was born on 10/15/1942 in Rochester, NY and is predeceased by her parents Walter B. and S. Ruth Vandeventer Duffy and sister Harriet Anderson. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, William, two children, Kathleen Sauro (Robert) of Baldwinsville and Erin Cammarata (Brian) of Fairport and her grandchildren Madeline, Zachary and Jack as well as her brother Gerald Duffy (Patricia) of Malone and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was a Summa cum Laude graduate of SUNY Brockport and did her Master's work at SUNY Albany and St. Lawrence University. For much of her career she worked in Adult education, first at St. Lawrence –Lewis BOCES and then as the Director of Adult and Continuing Education at OCM BOCES. It was during her tenure there that she was instrumental in the development of adult skill training programs and the construction of the BOCES Morgan Road Center. Later, she was Director of Vocational, Adult and Community Education at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. While at the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Sylvia was integral in establishing the External Diploma Program for Adults. This nationally validated program has enabled thousands of adults to earn their High School Diploma. Sylvia's final position was as Executive Director of CNY Works.

Sylvia enjoyed gardening, skiing, collecting antiques and traveling. She was an amazing Grandma and shared her love of horses with Maddie, her love of basketball with Zack and her love of books with Jack. She relished opportunities to be with her three grandkids and was often found reading to them, doing projects with them, hosting sleepovers and cheering them on at a competition or game. She was a welcoming hostess and passed along this trait to her daughters. Sylvia's third "child" was her beloved dog Clancy who was always tagging along with her. Two of her favorite things to do were enjoy the view of Oneida Lake from her deck and cruise with her husband and friends.

Sylvia was a 10 year ovarian cancer survivor. She was the epitome of the phrase "living with cancer" and was blessed to have those 10 years to enjoy her life. Donations can be made to Hope for Heather (hopeforheather.org) or Teal There's a Cure (gracesgarden.org).

Calling hours will be held Sunday 2-5PM at New Comer Funeral Home, N. Syracuse. A funeral mass will held on Monday 10AM at St. Francis of Assisi, Bridgeport.