Catherine Irene Sylvest

Catherine Irene Sylvest, born Sept.5, 1927, passed away May 26, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She joins her husband Jim, her parents Richard and Hilda Kehne, her brothers Dick and Tom, beloved sisters in law Goldie and Joanie and Joan and many dear friends who have preceded her in death. She leaves behind her daughters Nancy Costa and Karen Adams, sons in law Vince and Brett, her sweet grandsons Brynn and Gavin, sister in law Kathy, brother Bob and brother in law George Moore. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces, nephews and all the Howard Kids.
Irene was born at home in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to California in the 1930s. She met Jim Sylvest while working at General Cable Corporation. After a long courtship they married in 1950 in Los Angeles. Irene gave up her career as a cost accountant to stay home and raise their daughters. She returned to the workplace in 1983 as the school librarian, which was a great sense of pride for her.
Upon retirement, Jim and Irene moved to Fortuna, a small town in Northern California and spent the next 15 years traveling around the USA in their 5th wheel trailer. Irene loved to travel, but will always be remembered for her cooking talents as well as her spirit for volunteerism.
She and the family would like to recognize some very special folks who made her journey more pleasurable: Her Bible study ladies, numerous members of Christ Lutheran, as well as neighbors, who gave her rides to medical appointments and prayed for her; Her oncology/chemo nurses at St. Joes Infusion Center, Laurie and Cindy; and an extra special thank you to her oncology nurse and dear friend, Beckie Pidgeon who was like another daughter to Irene. The family thanks you all for your love and kindness. Full obituary with Memorial Service date and time to run at later date.
Arrangements under the care of Gobles Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, Ca.

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