Sylvia Marie (Emond) Pelletier

Sylvia Marie (Emond) Pelletier passed peacefully, surrounded by her deeply beloved and close-knit family, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, and mémère, Sylvia was a pillar of strength, faith, and love whose presence shaped generations.

Born in Presque Isle, ME on April 14, 1939, she was one of three children to the late Lucien and Marie (Labbe) Emond and was raised and educated in Connecticut. 

She shared a remarkable 70-year marriage with her husband, Wilmer Pelletier; a love story that began through heartfelt letters sent overseas while he served in the United States Air Force. Their bond blossomed into a lifetime partnership when they married in 1956 and settled in Plainville, where they raised their three sons. Sylvia instilled in her family a deep sense of love, resilience, and values, later taking immense pride in watching her family grow through two more generations. 

Ahead of her time in the professional world, Sylvia built a successful career as a payroll clerk with General Electric. After relocating to Florida, she continued her career with Quaker Oats, where she advanced from payroll into a role as a buyer. With her sharp judgment and steady confidence, she played an integral role in selecting the flavor of the original Gatorade. In the workplace, she was known as classy, strong, and no-nonsense, earning respect through both her competence and character. 

Sylvia and Wilmer spent nearly 25 cherished years living full-time in Florida, where they embraced an active and faith-filled life. She enjoyed daily walks around Disney, and together they served faithfully as Eucharistic ministers in their church community. In later years, they returned north to spend winters in Florida before moving back to Connecticut in 2017 to be closer to family.  She found joy in life’s simple pleasures; playing cards and cribbage, camping, and cruising—but above all, Sylvia centered her life on her faith and her family. Her quiet strength, steady guidance, and generous heart will be remembered always.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Rena Pelletier, Larry and Kerry Pelletier, and Ronnie and Della Pelletier; her nine adored grandchildren, Melissa (R.J.) Gates, Jessica (Mike) Reklaitis, Derrick (Heather) Pelletier, Lindsay Pelletier, Aaron (Jenny) Pelletier, Andrew (Bridget) Pelletier, Gabriel Pelletier, Adam Pelletier, and Nicole (Bryan) Ciaburri; along with 22 great-grandchildren who brought her much joy.  She was predeceased by her infant son, Dana, her great-granddaughter, Addison Rose, her sister, Mary Veilleux and her brother Norman Emond, leaving many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Sylvia’s family extends their sincerest gratitude to her caretakers, Jesse and Evelyn from Care by Kathy, along with the team at Brighton Hospice, for the compassionate care and dedication shown to them during her final journey.

Sylvia was generous in supporting those in need and may be remembered with contributions to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington DC 20037 or http://www.lupus.org, or to a charity that is meaningful to the donor.

Family and friends may gather on Monday May 4, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday May 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., meeting directly at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville.  She will be laid to rest privately at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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