Sylvia M. (Phaneuf) Swistak

Athol - Sylvia M. (Phaneuf) Swistak, 85, of Wheelwright died peacefully with family by her side on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Applewood Home for Elders.

Sylvia was born in Ware, daughter of the late Romeo and Effie (Clark) Phaneuf.  She grew up in Gilbertville, and lived in that area her entire life.  She worked as a stitcher at Sims Cab for many years before retiring.  She loved playing cards and spending her summers at Old Orchard Beach in Maine with family.  Bingo was a favorite weekly activity, along with snack time with her favorite residents.  She loved visits from family and friends and always had a way of making everyone’s day a little brighter.  She will be missed deeply by her loved ones.

She leaves her beloved grandchildren, Katie Shortis, Rob Ames, Blair Robidoux and Heidi Shortis along with their families, caring sister Dorothy Holbrook; son-in-law Todd Coombs, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Swistak, life-long friend Shirley Roy, and many family and friends who loved her.  Sylvia is predeceased by her husband Sylvester Swistak, her loving children Michael Swistak and Laurie Coombs, beloved granddaughter Randi Stelmokas and dear sister Rosemary Valardi.

The family would like to thank the staff at Applewood Home for Elders for their years of love and dedication to Sylvia.

A Celebration of Life for Sylvia will be held Friday, Febuary 7th at the King Phillip Restaurant, 35 State Rd in Phillipston from 11am-2pm.  A graveside service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please spread kindness in Sylvia’s honor.

Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware is assisting her family with arrangements.  An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia M. (Phaneuf) Swistak, please visit our floral store.