When Sylvia Sparks got off the plane in Albany, NY for the first time in early September 1979, she was wearing a full-length faux fur coat which she had borrowed for the trip. She was 38 years old, called Southern California her home, and someone had told her to expect cold weather on the east coast; the high was 72 degrees that day. The man picking her up was quite amused, and they would make each other laugh for the rest of her life. She was traveling to NY to make sure that Jim Sheehan knew she was committed to their newfound love. There were many complications as she embarked upon this new relationship, but the two of them were optimists at heart. They were both outgoing, talented, clever, and charismatic (although he would say she was the one people loved). By 1983 Sylvia and Jim had established a home in Glens Falls, had married each other, and were heavily involved in their business, community, and families. Partners in everything until the end, they owned and operated J&S Invisible Repairs/Glens Falls Upholstery, from which they recently retired.

Sylvia, née Garcia, was born May 8,1941 in Santa Rita, New Mexico. Her parents soon moved the family to Wilmington, California. Soon after graduating from Phineus Banning High School, Sylvia married Jim Sparks and they had two children, Ronald D. Sparks and Kimberly D. Sparks. They divorced soon after Kim came along. During the remainder of her years in California, Sylvia and her children lived in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Newport Beach. She relished change and it seemed she met every challenge with strength, resilience, and humor. She worked as an executive secretary for Bohemian Liquor Distributors in the San Fernando Valley for many years and eventually was licensed as a real estate agent and then broker. In this phase of her life, her friends and family admired her as an independent strong woman. Her generosity was immeasurable, and any of her friends, children's friends and of course family could find a meal, party, advice, open arms for hugs at any moment in her home.

Sylvia spent her second act with the absolute love of her life, Jim Sheehan. Almost as soon as she met him, she would say she intended to spend the rest of her life with him. They found a home together in Glens Falls, NY and enjoyed 46 years as partners working, creating, traveling (at times with her sleeping on the back of his Harley Low Rider), and dining in the community; people rarely saw one without the other.

Syl enjoyed all kinds of activities including volunteer work with the LG Winter Carnival in the 80's, as a docent for the Chapman Museum, and perhaps her most favorite was work she did with the Women's League of Voters; she formed deep friendships with a handful of ladies in that organization. She also loved sewing, knitting, and embroidering, creating slews of embroidered blankets for children in her life and as donations.

In the last ten years Sylvia met at least two health challenges. She conquered non hodgkins lymphoma with grace and gratitude. Dementia was not one to be conquered, though, and due to many complications because of that disease, she died on March 8, 2026, with her husband by her side at Baptist Nursing Center in Scotia, NY.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Edmundo and Ramona (Quezada) Garcia, her sister Elsie, and her brother Edmund.

Survivors include: her husband Jim Sheehan of Glens Falls (currently at Baptist Nursing Center in Scotia); her son Ron (Robin) Sparks of Hamden, CT; her daughter Kim (Ken) Way of Queensbury, NY; her daughter Chendell (Rob) Thomsen of Delanson, NY; her grandchildren - Simone Sparks, Shevaun (Dan) Sparks, Sydney Sparks, Erica (Jeremy) Neale, Michael Bies; her great grandchildren - Arnez Neale, Xavier Neale, and Braylon Neale; her sister Brenda (Randy) Mortimer of Hemet, CA; her oldest and best friend Donna Dillon Giacchetti; and too many family members, friends, friends who became family, and customers who became friends to count (we regret not naming you, because we know how important you all were to her. Please know how much she has missed you as she began to lose her memory!).

At Sylvia's request, there will be no services or calling hours. It is suggested instead that family and friends visit Jim at Baptist Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Scotia, NY at your earliest convenience.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a charitable donation to the organization of your choice or volunteering some time to honor Sylvia's love of children.