Obituary of Sylvia M. Strode

Sylvia M. Strode, 86, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's dementia at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home on June 19, 2025. Sylvia was predeceased by: her father, Walter Munzel; her mother, Ruth (Brandt) Munzel; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Lee Parrot; her son, Michael Matthews, Sr.; her brother-in-law, Richard Cook; three grandchildren, Charles, Michael Jr. and Jessica; and a great-granddaughter, Mollyanna. Sylvia is survived by: her brother, James Munzel (Mary); her sister, Debbie Cook; her son, Leon Matthews III (Diane); her only daughter, Karen (Matthews) Emerson; along with her step-son, Marty Strode (Sally). Sylvia is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Leon IV (Amy), Justin, Melissa (Ryan), Steven (Rebecca), Allyce (Ben), Kristin (Bill), Derek (Lindsay), Stephanie (Jason), Kayta (Austin), Sylvia, Tommy (Shaney) and Kyle (Megan). Sylvia also had 34 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Other survivors include nephews, cousins and many friends, along with her favorite home health aide, Hannah Jones. Sylvia was born in Sharon, CT and resided in Canaan, CT with her parents and siblings. Once grown, Sylvia worked for the state of Connecticut, as well as at Waterbury, CT Hospital. Sylvia moved to Florida where she worked at Orlando Regional Medical Center. She also worked as a surgical counselor and a medical transcriptionist. Sylvia enjoyed many things, one of them was collecting shells while in Florida. She also loved to read books and watch her soap operas. Sylvia had another great love and that was her cats. Sylvia was a great mother who loved everyone deeply. She took pride in her family and her heritage. She was poised, witty and above all, she was loved by everyone who knew her. Sylvia will be in our hearts and missed every day. There will be a graveside service to celebrate her life on Friday, June 27th at 3:00pm in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.