"Greg, Kathy and Billy: Lots of great memories of your mom. Amongst them: that little "snort laugh" that my girls got such a kick out of; her pasties; the highball-fueled family Password games; and of her watching my Little League games at Whitman Field when I played for Bunny Bread. One particular game I had made a diving catch while playing left field. The next day I was standing in front of our house on Fisher Street and she's driving by with her window down and yells out, "Great catch last night!" Well, for an eleven year-old kid, that meant a whole lot to me. It still does today at nearly 50. She's the last of her generation of Crowleys. There are more to come for sure, but they don't make them as tough as that any more. The Packers and Tigers now have her sitting on the bench with them instead of in front of her TV or radio. Maybe if we listen real hard, one day we'll hear Sibb on the organ at Lambeau Field belting out the fight song. A bit of Irish mirth to end our tribute to Aunt Sibb. Some call the glass half empty, Others say half full. But 'tis the Irish who'll forever say, "Are you going to drink that?" We'll be sure to have our own toast to Aunt Sibb here in Motown on Saturday. Love,"
In loving memory of
SYLVIA (SIBB) MAHAN
May 6, 1918 - January 1, 2008
Sylvia M. Sibb Mahan, age 89, formerly of 1532 W. Ridge St., Marquette, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 1, 2008 while under the tender care of the Norlite Nursing Center where she resided for the past 14 months.
Mrs. Mahan was born on May 6, 1918 in Marquette to the late William and Katherine (Burr) Crowley and was a lifelong area resident.
In February of 1946, Sibb married Frank Wesley Mahan in Marquette.
Sibb was formerly employed by Luteys Flower Shop in Marquette for many years. In her free time she loved to garden and make homemade pasties for friends and family. She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and Detroit Tiger Baseball Fan.
Sibb was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church as well as its altar society. She was also a member of the Lady Elks and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include three children, Kathleen (Charles) Winsten of Ray, MI, Gregory Mahan of Palm Springs, CA and William F. Mahan of Maquette; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Clemons, Cristi Winsten, Jacqueline Clemons, Carli Winsten, Leigh Mahan Ross, Elise Mahan and Molly Mahan; two great grandchildren, Taylor Pasden and Will Clemons; also surviving are several nieces and nephews including a special niece and friend, Chaz Crowley Connon, and two sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Mahan on July 6, 1985; also three brothers and three sisters.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the church with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Norlite Nursing Center Activities Fund, 701 Homestead, Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"My earliest memories of Sibb were when all the Mahan relatives would get together and go on a picnic at the Island, or maybe down to camp. Sibb would bake her famous 'pasties' that were so warm and good; they were big enough that evem the seagulls got a few scraps. Mildred, Elayne and I share in your great loss knowing what a wonderful and giving person Sibb was. We will always remember the many wonderful stories she told, and great times she shared with us. Harold E. Myers Nephew Lee's Summit, MO"
"It has been 60 years since I saw Sylvia, but as I am her cousin,(My dad and her Mom were brother and sister)I well remember her walking down Third Street with her sister,Sis. I always thought she was so elegant looking and wished that I could look like that. Being a tomboy, that was out of the question. Now, there are 3 Burs left. Kenneth, my brother Leonard, and me. Family members feel free to E-mail me. Love Amelia"
"Bill and family, We were sorry to hear about your Mom. She is one of the tools that have helped shape your lives, and lives of those she touched. Now she rests in a new life of peace, her work is completed here on earth. She is only a memory away, watching, and waiting until you are together again with her. God bless your time of mourning, and know that there is strength and peace coming your way. We share in your prayers for her peace and new life, and rejoice with you in her happiness and rebirth to a new life."
"Bill Greg And Kathy I,m sorry to see that your Mother recently passed away . It's hard to lose your parents. My condolences to all of your family Steven hassel"
"Dear Kathleen,Greg,and Bill, My deepest sympathy to your family. I remember being with the Mahans at "Camp" or while you visiting the Foards in Kansas City. Your mom was a wonderful person and a special friend to my mom, Mildred. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Betsy"
"Dear Billy, Kath, Chuckie & Greg, Your Mom, Auntie Sibb to me, was my second Mom. We had a lot of girl talks over the years... and over the subject of men to manhattans (just halves tho)... Our heart to heart visits/laughs will be treasured for years-along with all the smiles and memories created...To sum it up in Sibb's words..."Holy Boyzo, Is that right?!!" It's all right now, Auntie Sibb, Home runs and Touchdowns are at your doorstep in heaven...and you have front row seats with your loved ones... Love and Peace, XO, Carolyn"
"Sorry to hear about your mom . When I was in Marquette last fall I went to see her at Norlite. I babysat for you kids many a saturday nite when your mom and dad went to the Elks with my mom and dad. They enjoyed life and you kids. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Judy Vasseau Stenglein"
"We were so sorry to hear of Sibb's passing. My Mom (Florence Pelissier) and Sibb were dear friends for many years. We knew Sibb personally, but not intimately, having talked with her many times on the telephone while Florence was still living. We hope that those two are having some wonderful recollections now that they've 're-newed' their friendship in a better world... Ray & Sharon Pelissier"