Memorial Trees
S
Steve and Stephanie Gilland
November 16, 2024
Memorial trees planted for:
Sylvia McCurdy
<p>Sylvia “Syl” McCurdy</p><p>October 5, 1932 – October 18, 2024</p><p><br></p><p>Sylvia “Syl” McCurdy, age 92, peacefully departed this world on October 18, 2024, at Clemson Downs in Clemson, SC, to reunite with her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" McCurdy, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage.</p><p><br></p><p>Preceded in death by Bob, Syl leaves behind her devoted children Jeff (Debby) McCurdy, David (Linda) McCurdy, and Amy (Kevin) Kelly. She also leaves a lasting legacy through her four grandchildren, Lana (Bryan) McGrath, Jason McCurdy, Beth (Nathan) Brittain, Laura (Ryan) Marsh, and six cherished great-grandchildren. </p><p><br></p><p>Born and raised in Crawfordsville, IN, Syl pursued a calling in nursing, graduating from Indiana University Indianapolis with a BA in Nursing. It was during this time that she met Bob, her lifelong partner, and they married on May 29, 1954. Syl’s nursing career spanned several roles, from providing hands-on patient care to educating future nurses as an instructor at Ivy Tech Community College in southern Indiana. Her dedication to helping others shone through in everything she did, both professionally and personally.</p><p><br></p><p>Syl’s compassion, warmth, and tireless devotion to others left a profound impact on all who knew her. Whether caring for her patients, mentoring her students, or nurturing her family, she always put others before herself. Those characteristics stayed with Syl even during her late stages of dementia, resulting in an outpouring of love and compassion from Clemson Downs staff, residents, volunteers, and everyone who met her.</p><p><br></p><p>In her personal life, Syl was a beacon of joy and energy. Known for her bright smile and easy laugh, she was always the life of the party, and she could always find room for a few more at her dinner table. She found happiness in the simple things - harmonizing and dancing with Bob, playing cards (especially Euchre and Rummy), or gathering with friends and family for a good puzzle or board game. Syl could play cards all day or night, always ensuring that everyone was having as much fun as she was.</p><p><br></p><p>Syl and Bob’s career journey took the family across multiple states, and in retirement they settled into Vero Beach, FL, where they lived some of their happiest years. Together, they were active members of the Vero Beach Power Squadron, the Community Church of Vero Beach, the Red Cross, and their neighborhood association, creating lasting friendships and giving back to their community. </p><p><br></p><p>A celebration of Syl’s life will be held on November 16th at The Carriage House in Jeffersonville, IN. Friends and family who have not yet been contacted may reach out to Dave or Amy for additional details.</p><p><br></p><p>For those who wish, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Via Health Partners (Hospice), or Clemson Downs at 500 Downs Loop, Clemson, SC 29631. Alternatively, The Carriage House can receive flowers for the November 16th gathering, and they work with Lavender Hill Florals. </p><p><br></p><p>The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the team at Clemson Downs for their exceptional care and compassion during Syl’s time there. They would also like to thank Sara, Syl’s hospice nurse, whose support and compassion not only helped Syl through her final journey but carried the family through as well.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout her life, Syl embodied the spirit of giving. Whether caring for her family, tending to her patients, giving back to her community, or simply being there for a friend, she always put others first. As she often said, “One hand washes the other,” a reflection of how she lived – offering care and receiving it in return, with the same grace and love.</p><p><br></p><p>The Standard Cremation & Funeral Center is serving the family, and a message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.standardfuneralcenter.com.</p>October 18, 202410/18/2024
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