Evelyn Leslie Tozier Sylvanus, devoted to family
Evelyn Leslie Tozier Sylvanus, 88, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Lewes. She was born in 1933, in Paterson, N.J., daughter of the late Daniel P. and Evelyn Filson Tozier, and spent her childhood in Ridgewood with her parents and sister.
Leslie is a graduate of Ridgewood High School and Bucknell University. In 1956, when Leslie was a bridesmaid in a sorority sister’s wedding, she was paired with Jim Sylvanus. A whirlwind courtship ensued, and they were married the following year. As part of Jim’s career with the DuPont Company, the young couple began their life in Wilmington, before moving to Camden, Tenn., and Antioch, Calif., and then returned to Wilmington again.
Leslie worked as a teacher in all of these locations and finished her career as a middle school teacher at Ursuline Academy. Jim and Leslie retired to Prospect Bay in Grasonville, Md., where they spent many happy years. They also had a short stint in Taiwan before finally settling in Lewes.
Leslie had many interests and hobbies. She was a member of the DAR, a master gardener, accomplished baker, avid reader, and singer in numerous church choirs. Leslie also found time to volunteer at the Beebe Hospital Thrift Shop and take her grandchildren on numerous Elderhostel trips. She is remembered for her serenity and calm demeanor, and love of the many cats and dogs who were part of her family over the years. Leslie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Loved by many, she will be deeply and genuinely missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Moorings at Lewes Skilled Nursing Care for their excellent care of Leslie in her final years.
Leslie is survived by her husband of 65 years, James E. Sylvanus; her children: Amy Coogan (Kevin) and Dave Sylvanus (Maria); her grandchildren: Catherine (Jay Hobbs), Anna, Joseph, and Lillian Coogan; along with Monica Sylvanus and stepgranddaughter, Mary Green; and her two great-granddaughters. She also leaves behind a sister, Edith Stocks of Palm City, Fla., along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 31, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.
Mask wearing is required and social distancing must be observed by all service attendees and participants.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Leslie's memory to The Moorings Foundation, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit Leslie's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
