Sylvia May (Dillon) Ducharme

Cossayuna, NY - With deep sadness, the family of Sylvia May Ducharme announces her passing at the age of 94 on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. A devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Sylvia’s kindness and compassion touched everyone who knew her.

Born on October 27, 1930, in Cambridge, NY, she was the daughter of Florence and Leland Dillon. After graduating from Salem High School, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving as a WAC and key punch operator.

Following her service, Sylvia worked as a seamstress, where she met her husband, Arthur Ducharme. They were married in 1952 and shared 58 loving years together.

Sylvia cherished her role as a mother to her three children, Sally, Brian, and Betsy. A talented homemaker, she found joy in baking, gardening, and caring for her family. Her love of flowers and nature lives on through her children.

An avid fan of singer Anne Murray, Sylvia led her fan club for several years. Through this role, she met her dear friend Scotty Peney, whose family became like her own. In 1977, Sylvia and Scotty opened Snowbird Arts and Crafts, named after the Anne Murray song. The store became a beloved spot for local artists for over 20 years.

Sylvia’s life was filled with family, creativity, and deep friendships. Her grandchildren, Christopher and Anna, will always treasure memories of holidays and time spent at Gramma’s house.

In accordance with her wishes, Sylivia will be interred at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY with her husband Arthur.

A memorial service will be held at the cemetery on Monday, June 30th at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Lake Lauderdale pavilion, Route 22, Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Comfort Food Community, www.comfortfoodcommunity.org/donate or Save the Children, www.savethechildren.org as she regularly donated to organizations that supported children in need. 

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Sylvia, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

The McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc. in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia May (Dillon) Ducharme, please visit our floral store.