Sylvia Jean Chaney

"Sylvia Jean (Burns) Chaney, 83, died peacefully in her home in Belchertown, Sunday, Oct. 12. Born June 16, 1931 in Martinez, CA, Sylvia was youngest child of Dorothy (DeGray-Birch) and James Burns. She is predeceased by brothers Kenneth and Gordon, sisters Doris and Kathleen, and her first husband and love of her life, Tony Silva. Sylvia will be deeply missed by her daughters Sandra Silva-Braga of Clear Lake Oaks, CA, and Laurie Collins and her partner Phil Misiaszek, of West Warren, and sons Mark Silva, of Holt, MO, John and wife Amy Silva, of San Ramon, CA, and Jim Silva, of Carmichael, CA. She will also be missed by her twelve grandchildren: Danielle Burnham, Kristin Rivera, Amanda Collins, Erica Miller, Mark and Alexis Silva, Justin Braga, Angela TenHave, and Duncan, Fletcher, Aksel and Erik Silva. Sylvia was also a loving great-grandmother to Cameron, Kylie, Brielle, Kate, Maddie, Marissa, Ali, Wyatt, Garrett, and Grayson. A graduate of Hayward High School, Sylvia lived most of her life in Hayward, raising her family on Regal Ave. In 1939 she sang at the World's Fair at San Francisco's Treasure Island. She worked as a secretary for Greg Silva Real Estate. Sylvia loved sewing, gardening and cooking, was happiest when in the kitchen, baking goodies for family, a friend, or even a stranger. She moved to Belchertown in 2009 and loved her new home. Sylvia will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice and her sparkling blue eyes. Family meant the world to Sylvia, and she cherished her loved ones. Services for Sylvia will be held at Beers and Story Funeral Home in Belchertown, Saturday, Oct. 18. A visiting hour begins at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m."