Sylvia Van Os

Sylvia Van Os was a compassionate and loving woman who gave continuously to her family throughout her life. Underneath her great sense of humor and positive outlook on life was a reservoir of strength, which those around her came to depend on. Always thinking of others before herself, Sylvia was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved.

On June 29, 1927, Julia Sylvia Nason was born in England and spent most of her early years in the village of Arrington in the South Cambridgeshire district of Cambridgeshire, England. Sylvia, as she was called, was part of a large family; she was one of twelve children born to Gregory and Hannah (Sarfaty) Nason. Sylvia grew up in a time that was unpredictable and at times dangerous in England. It was the time of the Blitz and there was great depression which affected everyone and everything, including the rationing of meat and food. On a typical school day, Sylvia only had a potato baked in the coal fire near the teacher and a piece of bread and drippings for lunch...there wasn't much more when she got home, either.

During World War II, there were many U.S. servicemen in and around England. One day while Sylvia's father was in a local pub, he met an American solider named Maurice "Hoss" Van Os, who was serving as an Army medic during the war. Gregory invited Hoss to his home for Sunday dinner, hoping he might take a liking to one of his older daughters. However, as fate would have it, Hoss was drawn to Sylvia. In order to see her, he would bring food for the family and in turn, they would ask him to stay. Her father wasn't to happy, though, when Hoss asked him for Sylvia's hand in marriage, seeing she was only 18 and would have to move to the United States. Sylvia's mother, on the other hand, was a hopeless romantic and knew the two were in love, so she gave her permission for the marriage. On January 11, 1946, Sylvia and Hoss were wed at the Registrars Office in England, and spent their honeymoon night at her sister's home on a single fold out cot.

While Hoss completed his tour of duty in Germany, Sylvia boarded a Victory ship bound for the United States in June of 1946. Upon his discharge, Hoss returned to the states to his lovely bride and they settled into married life together in Saugatuck, Michigan. Being a carpenter by trade, Hoss built their first home on Hoffman Street, where the couple would raise their three daughters, Linda (1949), Doreen (1950) and Beverly (1952). Sylvia proudly became a Naturalized Citizen of the U.S.A. on May 20, 1949, and she took this honor very seriously; she never forgot to vote.

As a mother, Sylvia was a great role model for her daughters, teaching them how to maintain a household, to work hard and to care for others. While they were in school during the day, Sylvia would do cleaning and laundry for others to supplement their income and for about eleven years worked in a sewing factory making chenille letters and banners. But she always made time to be involved in her girls' activities as a Bluebird and Campfire Girl Leader. Once her daughters were grown and on their own, Hoss and Sylvia sold their home, bought a truck and fifth wheel and hit the road, traveling all over the Midwest and West looking for construction work for Hoss. Sylvia loved these adventures of theirs, but she was glad to get back to Saugatuck, too. She had many interests around the house to keep her busy. She loved to cook and bake, so that whenever someone came to visit, they could enjoy a cup of tea together with a biscuit or cookie. Sylvia liked to keep her hands busy in other ways too, like knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching or tending to her garden and flowers. She very much enjoyed writing to family and friends and was always happy to get a letter back. Being near Lake Michigan, Sylvia loved to watch the beautiful sunsets and watch the tranquil waters.

Sylvia and Hoss had a wonderful marriage. On occasion, she would jokingly say, "I'm a bullheaded Englishman and he's a stubborn Dutchman" - she had a great sense of humor. Sadly, Sylvia lost her beloved Hoss in July of 1996, a few months after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Heartbroken and alone, Sylvia found comfort and companionship in her cat, Sassy. She also fostered a close relationship with her two nephews, Reggie and Malcolm Smith, who lived nearby and helped her whenever needed. A woman of abundant faith, Sylvia was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Saugatuck. She firmly believed in the power of prayer, and drew on it during her difficult moments.

Sylvia was a wonderfully, loving woman, who was there for her loved ones at any time, not because she had to be, but because she wanted to share in the lives of the people she loved. Her devotion and generosity will be deeply missed, yet remembered forever.

Sylvia Van Os, age 79 of Saugatuck, MI, died on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice. Surviving are her daughters: Linda and Gary Lieberman of Ames, IA, Doreen St. John of Hartville, OH, and Beverly and Bill Zamplas of Brighton, MI; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson; brothers and sisters: Ron and Wendy Nason, Greg and Lily Nason, Sybil Pittman, Joyce Jackson, Pat and Dennis Haine, and May and Phil Card all of England; in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman, with the Rev. Richard Haferman officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will follow the services. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes-Saugatuck Chapel, 520 Lakes Street. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Sylvia or sign her online guest book.