Nancy Claire Baron Sylvestre, 63, died peacefully on October 31, 2013 at Branford Hospice in Branford, CT. Nancy was born November 10, 1949 in Jersey City, NJ to Stanley Joseph and Mary Nancy Baron. She is survived by her mother Mary of Hackettstown, NJ, sisters Barbara Coan of Naples, FL and Marianne Baron of Hackettstown, NJ; her children Lee of Manchester, CT, Ross and wife Kymberly of Ludlow, MA and Claire and husband Paul of Branford, CT; her beloved grandchildren Connor, Caitlyn and Elise, to whom she was known as "Mona", and her nephew Richard Coan and niece Jenifer Gerae. Nancy was a graduate of Hanover Park High School in East Hanover, NJ. She earned a Bachelors Degree from New England Conservatory and a Masters degree in music education from University of Bridgeport. She taught music in Milford, CT for over 30 years and was a talented oboist, violinist and pianist. Ever the pragmatist, Nancy made her own oboe reeds from scratch. She was an esteemed member of the Hamden and Cheshire Symphonies. Her warm, gentle spirit and golden ear were an inspiration to countless children, especially her own.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Tuesday, November 5th at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Monica Church, Northford at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday, Nov 4 from 5pm to 8pm. Nancy's family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Milford's Elementary String Program (http://www.gofundme.com/51rjjc) or to Branford Hospice (www.hospice.com)
Dear Claire and Paul,
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that you, family and friends are in our prayers.
With Love,
Aunt Pat & Uncle Bub
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss of dear Nancy. She and I were colleagues for many years at Simon Lake School. Never did I see Nancy that she didn't greet me with a smile and a warm welcome. She was always so upbeat and genuine. The students of Milford were blessed by Nancy's dedication and skill. Her enthusiasm and love of music, particularly the strings, truly motivated them.
Dear Lee and family, I am thinking of you at this time. I was fortunate enough to know Nancy and she was a very sweet woman. We had some great conversations about music. I know she will be missed by all. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you.
Forever etched in my mind will always be Nancy's glow. She would come and watch her son Lee perform music very often. When she was there she'd have a huge smile on her face. That will be the way I will forever remember her. Lee, Ross and Claire I send you my deepest condolences and may you carry a part of your mom forward with you each day.
Be blessed
I still remember when Ms. Sylvestre was my strings teacher back at pumpkin delight and in west shore. I clearly remember her saying to me don't give up practicing your violin. I never stopped and to this day I'm still playing. Thank you for everything that you've taught me. Rest in Peace Ms. Sylvestre
To All of Nancy's Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Nancy's passing and extend our heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time. While her time on earth was short, she will continue to live on in each of her children and grandchildren- her greatest legacy. God bless all.
Your Mom was a neighbor on Blue Jay Road and although we were not close friends, we saw each other at church and always shared greetings and stories about our children. She was so personable and a wonderful person.
I was so sorry to read of her passing. lMy thoughts are with all of the children and my prayers are with her.
My deepest condolences to Nancy’s family. I remember her as a sweet young girl with whom I attended kindergarten at Holy Cross grammar school in Harrison, NJ.