Sylvia Cecelia Elliott

A life well lived. Sylvia Elliott, born June 8, 1932, daughter to Cecil Alphonso and Lydia Serena (Johanson) Bills took her flight to heaven Wednesday July 30, 2025, at Valley Village Assisted Living in Townshend, VT where she had resided for the last few years. She was predeceased by her infant sister Sharon Kay, sister Nancy Barbara Thornton, grandson Errin Bruce Morse and great grandson, Tono Elias Figueroa.

Sylvia grew up in Podunk (near West Wardsboro), Vermont, graduated from Leland and Gray Seminary in Townshend, Vermont in 1949 and married Donald Edvaard Elliott December 21 of that same year. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2009 and Don passed away in February of 2010. Together they raised Sharon Ann (Richard) Bastille, Margaret “Peggy” (Roger) Hanson, Donald Edvaard, (Linda) Jr., Cecelia (Thomas) Dohoda, and Ronald Thomas. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 5 great, great grandchildren.

A homemaker of excellence, she creatively used available resources to enhance the lives of her family, friends and the community. Her quick wit and acceptance of all people made her the perfect store clerk throughout the West River Valley, including her own Hope in the Valley Christian Bookstore. She ran Elliott & Sons Trucking with her husband and drove school bus for the Dummerston Schools and West River Transportation.

Sylvia was involved in the community as Busy Valley Lasssies 4-H leader, member of the West Dummerston Grange, PTA, Maple Leaf Square Dancing Club, West River Valley Rifle Club, caller for Newbrook Fire Dept Bingo, and she played piano, organ and sang at many churches and weddings in the Valley. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, crocheting, bowling, was the first married woman to be invited to enter the Brattleboro Winter Carnival Queen contest and was the neighborhood “Kool-aid and Cookies” Mom. During the pandemic, at 88, she crocheted around 156 lap blankets for nursing homes and anyone who needed them. People donated their scraps of yarn to keep her busy while separated during that time. She was such an inspiration in making do when without and giving even if in need.

In memory of Sylvia, we encourage everyone to volunteer in their community, ask “how can I help” or just do something for someone else……....then go have some ice cream!

Memorial contributions in Sylvia’s name can be made directly to Valley Village, 461 Grafton Rd, Townshend, VT 05353 (valleyvillagevt.org), Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Rd, Townshend, VT 05353 (gracecottage.org), Newbrook Fire and Rescue, 698 VT-30, Newfane, VT 05345 (newbrookfire.org) or through the Shea Funeral Homes (sheafuneralhomes.com).

Abiding by her wishes, there will be a graveside service for immediate family after which they will gather to celebrate her life, “well done.” Community will be invited to join the family. Details to be announced. Each night she would quote the 23rd Psalm upon retiring, and now that last verse “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” is reality. She’s home now.