Obituary of Sylvia S. Van Leeuwen

Savannah: Sylvia S. Gray van Leeuwen, age 75, went to be with Jesus after an unexpected illness on Friday May 3rd. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 8th, at the Butler-Savannah Cemetery. The Rev. Chris Ball will officiate. Family and friends are invited to the Savannah American Legion immediately following. Sylvia was born August 8, 1937 to Howard Gray and Margaret Smeraldo Hough Gray. After graduating high school she married Cornelis “Casey” van Leeuwen on November 10, 1956. For many years Sylvia and Casey enjoyed digging for relics and amassed quite a collection. Helping a neighbor out by making a birthday cake turned into a small home business for many years. Sylvia enjoyed collecting many things, especially stamps and Coca Cola memorabilia. She loved family get togethers and cook outs, but her greatest joys were her grandchildren Christopher and Kaycee, and more recently great-grandson Caleb. Sylvia is survived be her husband Casey; daughter Julie; grandchildren Christopher, Kaycee and Caleb; sisters Gloria (Cliff) White of Virginia, and Sandy (Dutch) Carr of Phelps; many beloved nieces and nephews. Sylvia is predeceased by her parents Howard and Margaret; and by sister Jacqueline Gay. Please consider donations in her memory to Cracker Box Palace, P.O. Box 174, Alton, NY 14413. Arr: Norton Funeral Home of Savannah.