On Saturday, February 25, 2017, an earthly angel ascended to Heavenly Angel. Sylvia Marie Craig, 58, peacefully passed away, comforted by family and friends by her side, and enfolded in the loving prayers of those who loved her.
Born May 22, 1958, at St Anne’s Hospital, Fall River, MA, a life-long resident of Portsmouth, RI, and proud 1976 graduate of Portsmouth High School, actively involved in High School reunions, she also attended Katherine Gibbs School.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her infant son, Brien William, her sister Geraldine (Gerry) Hamilton-Smith, and her mother, Edna Mae (Silvia) Craig.
She is survived by her children, Stephanie Eileen Gleeson and her son, Sylvia’s grandson, Ayden, both of Portsmouth, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class A.J. LaBonte (machinery technician), stationed in Detroit, MI, and Kelsey Marie LaBonte (CCRI student) of Portsmouth; her father Russell J. Craig, Sr.; her be-loved sweetheart Richie Camara; her brother Russell J Craig, Jr and his wife, Jeanette; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; and friends who were loved as though family.

For nearly 30 years, Sylvia has been a dedicated employee of the R.I. Judiciary System, as Assistant Manager of Calendar Services, serving at a variety of locations, including Newport, Kent, and Warwick Counties.

Known for her contagious smile, gentle words, and generous ways, Sylvia could light up a room, as well as burn up the dance floor. An amateur gardener, she enjoyed making things grow; her favorite hummingbirds and cardinals graced her yard. Her quirky and subtle sense of humor made others laugh when they least expected it. And while her world-famous Shepherd’s Pie filled your tummy, her spirit fueled your soul. She lived her yearbook motto: “I am lonely but you can free me all in the way you smile.”

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 5, 4 – 7pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, R.I.

Funeral services will be private.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...