Dillia L. (Lucero) Sylvester

Dillia D. (Lucero) Sylvester, 87, of Coventry, RI, formerly of West Warwick, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family on Monday afternoon, August 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years Daniel D. Sylvester, her parents Rube and Helen (Korte) Lucero, brothers Tony and Bill and sister Fanny. She is survived by her sisters Lilian Montoya, Helen Kowalsky and Christine Vickers. Dillia was a devoted mother to Helen Irene and her partner Bill, the late Ann Marie and fiancé Mark, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) and husband Kevin and Daniel John; involved loving grandmother to Liz and husband Matt, Matthew and wife Jamie, and Dr. Steven Lafond and fiancé Lanie, Zachary and Courtney Calci, and Andra Roderick and Victoria (Tori) Sylvester. Great grandmother to Adelyne, Isabella, Abigail, Daniel, and Hannah and Auntie to 14 nieces and nephews. She led by example always grateful and full of joy, a positive influence in so many people’s lives. Family was of utmost importance to her and she loved traveling to spend time with them, she enjoyed the theater, appreciated great music, loved to dance and was a devoted, dedicated, passionate volunteer.

Dillia was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and after graduating from St. Mary’s High School began her career at Mountain Bell as a public relations model and switchboard operator. She was introduced to the love of her life by her Mom but had the impression he was married until they met again at the Palomino Club and that was the beginning of a lasting love affair. They married June 2, 1962 and transplanted to Rhode Island.

She was a skilled seamstress, needlepoint & macramé artist, 10-pin bowler, stamp collector, and very instrumental in supporting her husband’s career of Athletic Director and Rhode Island Umpire Association Director using her administrative assistant skills, keeping everything organized and running smoothly all while being extremely involved with the Girl Scouts, cheerleading, soccer, church activities, and choir. Over the years she was employed as an Administrative Assistant, Cosmetologist, and Bookkeeper for The Outlet Company and Bank Teller.

Dillia dedicated her life to serving the Lord and helping others in her community. She was a Eucharistic Minister who brought Communion to home bound individuals weekly and was a member and past President of the Ladies of St. Ann. With a gentle spirit and a soft voice she was instrumental in coordinating and recruiting many volunteers. For over 17 years, she served as the volunteer coordinator for the Diocese of Providence and Catholic Charities Neighborhood Friendly Visitor Program, managing volunteers in making visits to homebound seniors and those residing in nursing homes. She also started a soup kitchen with her husband Dan at SS John and James Parish, recruiting volunteers to assist them helping over 100 families a week when the soup kitchen was active. She received the Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015. She served at the West Warwick Assistance Agency for 39 years. During her entire tenure she worked the front desk, greeting people needing food, registering new applicants and helping those needing assistance. She had also performed housekeeping chores, served on the board of directors and was the corresponding secretary for many years. And that’s not all, this tireless, valiant woman also served the St. Vincent de Paul Society beginning in 1985 at St. James Parish in West Warwick then transitioned to the SS John and James and St. Mary’s Mission Parish conference when the three parishes merged. She served multiple terms as Secretary and multiple terms as President of the SS. John and James and St. Mary’s Mission conference ending with her death as President. She was an active member, regularly handling requests for assistance and making home visits and representing SS John and James and St Mary Mission Parish at the district meetings. The St. Vincent de Paul Society presented Dillia the Ozanam Award in 2017 stating “Dillia exemplifies the ideals of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, selfishly helping those in need with care, understanding and respect.”

This amazing, beloved, brave woman leaves behind a legacy of dedication and love. She lived a life full of adventure and purpose.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. from the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in SS. John and James Church, 20 Washington Street, West Warwick, followed by interment in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.  Visiting hours Monday 3:00-6:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the West Warwick Assistance Agency, 1293 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 or St. Vincent DePaul Society, SS. John and James Chapter, c/o 20 Washington Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 in her memory would be appreciated.  Information and condolences, please visit: PrataGallogly.com

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