Sylvia Betty Sinden (25 Apr 1941 - 25 Jun 2020)

In loving memory of Sylvia Betty Sinden who sadly passed away on 25th June 2020

Sylvia was something of a pocket rocket and her slim stature belied her tenacity and strength of spirit, which she probably developed growing up in, and just after WWII.

Born in April of 1941 (a war baby) her childhood and early adult life was spent living in Stratford with her parents Violet (Vi) and (Poppy) Charlie Smith.

Sylvia was educated at a local grammar school in East Ham and found her first job as a pattern cutter for a couturier in London's West End. As a young woman She reconnected with someone she knew from her school days, Peter Sinden, who she married in 1963 and in 1965 she had the first of her two children Darren, followed just over 18 months later by a brother, Reece.

At that point the family left London and moved out to live in Great Cornard near Sudbury in Suffolk. A county that she always enjoyed and had fond memories of, and there were many family trips to Constable country as well as to Long Melford and Kentwell Halls and their various shows, fetes and open days. In 1970 the family moved to Writtle in Essex, a growing community in which Sylvia put down roots and forged many friendships with other young families.

By 1976 they moved again, this time to Springfield, Chelmsford, however six years later Sylvia divorced, but stayed in Chelmsford with her two boys.

Sylvia moved to Peterborough and spent a number of years living close to her Sister Ivy who had moved to the area for work along with Violet. Once again Sylvia wasted no time in getting involved in the community and making friends.
She joined U3A, went line dancing, worked for the Co-oP and then the Jacque Vert concession in the same shop, and somewhere found the time to train to become a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor. Something she took up voluntarily when she left Jacque Vert ostensibly to retire.

Life in Peterborough wasn't always easy and Sylvia suffered with some mental health problems however, she received excellent care and treatment and once recovered she with the help of her two sons move back to Chelmsford and into sheltered accommodation. Back on familiar ground she was closer to her family and in particular her Grandchildren and latterly a Great Grandchild. All of whom she doted on.

Sylvia was very happy to embrace technology, and made full use of her iPad to stay in touch with family and friends.
She liked to paint, draw and colour and more recently became a keen knitter turning out carrier bag loads of knitted squares for various charities. She also liked the coffee mornings, lunches and other activities at the sheltered housing.

Sadly Sylvia fell ill in the summer of 2019 and had a spell in hospital in Chelmsford, but she recovered and came back to live at Peveral House. However she largely withdrew from the world and adopted self isolation long before it became fashionable. By doing so she avoided the Coronavirus but unfortunately she couldn't avoid old age and frailty which finally took their toll on June 25th.

She will be missed by those who knew and loved her and in particular by her family RIP xx.