Sylvia Adele Belmondo-Fenner

Sylvia began her lifetime of caring for others while working at the Pavilion Nursing Home and Monroe County Infirmary until she left to care for Wickham through his battle with cancer, to which he succumbed in November 1972. She then focused on caring for their only son, Matthew, and relocated to Fredonia where, in 1979, she began operating a daycare in her home on Lambert Avenue. She helped families with childcare for 34 years until her retirement in June 2013. Sylvia found her true calling and happiness in the care of children and cherished the years that families entrusted her with the responsibility of caring for and preparing their children for school in a loving and nurturing environment. She humbly considered her greatest accomplishments were the children she cared for returning to her daycare with their children as they became parents, as well as the many families and children that remained in contact after her retirement. She joined her son in Louisville, KY, in 2013, and enjoyed spending her time staying connected with friends, cooking her “fan favorite” meals for guests, and being able to enjoy a flexible schedule for regional travel.

Sylvia is survived by her son, Matthew, of Louisville, KY, brothers David (Leslie) Belmondo of Girard, PA, Douglas (Karen) Belmondo of Westfield, NY, and sister-in-law Mary Belmondo of Wynnewood, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and older brother, Daniel.

Interment will be at Portland Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, NY, with a memorial celebration of life to be scheduled later this summer. Sylvia will be remembered for her robust character, endless love for her son, her delicious cooking and baking, and the joy she provided being of service and selfless devotion to those around her. Flowers are graciously declined; however, a memorial fund in her name to support programs for the benefit of children has been established at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation so the care and guidance she provided children during her life and can continue in her name for generations. Donations may be made online at www.nccfoundation.org or by check, payable to NCCF (please include “The Fenner Fund” on the memo line). Checks may be mailed to NCCF, 212 Lake Shore Drive W., Dunkirk, NY 14048.