Sylvia L (Letarte) Malachowski

Freeport â€“ Sylvia (Letarte) Malachowski, age 90, passed away March5, 2015 at Freeport Place surrounded by her loving daughter, Rosemary, along with Cody, Orlean, and Anesa. She was born in Westbrook, the daughter of Ovide and Yvonne (Girardin) Letarte. Sylvia attended Westbrook schools and in 1971 completed her GED, the same year her daughter, Rosemary, graduated from college. Sylvia met her husband, Edward Malachowski of New York, at a skating rink in Portland. He was the cutest sailor on the ice. They married on Edwardâ€™s birthday, January 4, 1946. They had one daughter, Rosemary. Sylvia worked at S.D. Warren in Westbrook as a paper inspector for many years. Upon retiring from S.D. Warren, she was able to focus on her family and volunteering. One of her most challenging tasks was to become proficient with the computer while volunteering at the State Street desk at Mercy Hospital. Sylvia received a name plaque for her many years of continued service. She also volunteered at the Good Cause Thrift Shop with Sister Marie. She helped numerous people find the bargains of the day. Sylvia was a valued volunteer at the Preble Street Kitchen, and along with Dr. Bove, she served many a meal and many a smile. Another volunteering opportunity included her work at the Barron Center where she organized activities for the patients. Her favorite was setting up the bowling. Christmas was a very special holiday for Sylvia and she enjoyed volunteering at the YWCA in Portland creating small gifts that children could purchase for their family. Sylvia was avtive in the Democratic Party and was a clerk at the Barron Center at voting times. Sylvia loved to travel. She was selected as one of the representatives to visit Portlandâ€™s sister city of Shinagawa, Japan. After that trip, her bags were always packed. She traveled throughout the British Isles and especially loved London where she was her favorite play, Phantom of the Opera. She also traveled throughout Europe. When Sylvia was not traveling or volunteering, she liked to take her brother Ovide out for a drive, to a favorite restaurant or shopping. Sylvia was a lifelong learner. She attended lectures at SAGE at USM, was an avid reader, completed numerous crossword puzzles and would volunteer in her daughtersâ€™ elementary school classroom. Sylvia enjoyed joining the class on field trips. However she would drive to the destination in her own car. She was not a fan of the bus ride. Sylvia was an active member of St. Patrickâ€™s Church, a member of Our Lady of Hope Womenâ€™s Fellowship where she served as secretary for a number of years. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, four brothers and one sister, and her loving husband. She is survived by her daughter Rosemary Malachowski, a sister Rosell Darraugh, brothers Ovide Letarte and Ray Letarte, along with many nieces and nephews. Rosemary would like to extend her thanks and gratitude to the caregivers who helped care for Sylvia over the last year. A special thank you to Nicole, her motherâ€™s guardian angel. Thank you to Theresa, Cody, Serena Jessie, Elaine, Alice, Carrie, Tom, Crystal, Terry, Beth, Anesa, and the evening crew at Falmouth Place with all the love and care surrounding her. Sylvia found contentment at Freeport Place with all the love and care surrounding her. Rosemary will always be indebted to them. Thank you to Life Choice Hospice, especially Orlean, Angela, Rebecca, and Rev, Patty. Words cannot express the immense gratitude toward Dr. Harwood. He will always have a special place in her heart. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 5 to 8 PM at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X church in Portland. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfunerlhome.com.

Sylvia L (Letarte) Malachowski

August 16, 1924 - March 5, 2015

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