Alicia (Ish) McDonough Sylvia, 85, of Poughkeepsie, NY, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 15, 2017, due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was lovingly cared for at home by her children and home health aides Esthel Scott and Adessa Gayle.
Born in New London, CT, on April 26, 1931, Alicia was the daughter of Chester and Adeline McDonough. She was raised in Stonington, CT., graduated from Stonington High School in 1949 and William W. Backus Hospital School of Nursing, Norwich, CT, in 1952. Alicia worked in Labor and Delivery at Vassar Brother’s Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY and eventually became the assistant head nurse on the floor. After three decades of nursing, she retired in 1990. After retiring, she worked part time as a consultant at Vassar and taught pre-natal classes to expectant parents and breast feeding to new mothers. Parents, who had Alicia as their nurse, would often stop her in church, at the store and just about anywhere reminiscing about what a wonderful nurse she was and gave her updates on their children. Of course, she remembered them all.
On May 31, 1952, Alicia married the love of her life, Edward (Ed) F. Sylvia at St. Mary’s Church, in Stonington, CT. They met in Stonington where she grew up and he summered with his family every year. Their first date was a boat ride on the Long Island Sound and berry picking. Their courtship lasted five years before marrying. Alicia was predeceased by her adoring husband on June 1, 2016.
Alicia is survived by her five children, Carolyn Sylvia Phillips, Edward Sylvia, Jr., Eileen Sylvia, Jane Sylvia, and Michael Sylvia, as well as her grandchildren Amy Phillips Manzione, Sean Fabritz, Alissa Fabritz Lotman, Jessica Sylvia, David Sylvia, Shannon Sylvia, Ashley Sylvia, Kate Hawryluk, Dillon Neal, Coty Cunningham, five great-grandchildren, her brothers, William (Butch) McDonough of Stonington, CT, Russell (Russ) McDonough and his wife, Irene of Pawcatuck, CT, and several nephews. In addition to her husband, Alicia was predeceased by her parents, daughter, Jean Marie Wilkinson, brother, Chester (Sonny) McDonough and sister-in-law, Linda McDonough who was like the sister she never had.
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease prevented Alicia from doing the things she loved over the years, especially reading and cross stitch. She enjoyed going to the movies, out to dinner with family and friends, cheering for the NY Yankees and attending the wonderful operas simulcast live from The Met at the Bardavon Opera House with her daughter. Alicia loved being a Mom, Nana and great-grandmother and was known as “Nana Ish” to many and “Little Nana” to her great-grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded and cared for by her loving family and looked forward to family dinners on Sundays every week.
Alicia was a devout Catholic and faithful parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Church since it first opened 54 years ago.
Visitation will be Friday, January 20th from 5 – 7pm at the William G. Miller & Son Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 21, 9:30am at St. Martin de Porres Church, 118 Cedar Valley Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Hospice of Dutchess County. If you wish to send an online condolence, please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com.

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