Obituary of Sylvia M. Maliga

Sylvia Marie Maliga of Wurtsboro, a retired secretary at the Chase School in Wurtsboro, died Monday, November 26, 2018 at the Elant Sapphire Nursing Facility in Goshen. She was 90. The daughter of the late Claude Smithem and Winifred Stollberg Smithem, she was born December 31, 1927 in Wurtsboro. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas in 1975; and two brothers: Charles B. Smithem and Claude Smithem. Sylvia was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wurtsboro, the Mamakating Historical Society and the Audubon Society. She was passionate about maintaining her yard, and her flower gardens were appreciated by her many friends and neighbors. Throughout her life, Sylvia enjoyed being outdoors, feeding the birds and caring for her cats. She also enjoyed her daily walks with friends and cross country skiing in the winter. Her family will miss all the wonderful baking that she did throughout the year. She is survived by her sister-in-law: Evelyn Smithem; and her many nieces and nephews: Evelyn Smithem, Charles & Denise Smithem, Mark & Debbie Smithem, Michael Smithem, and Diane & John Stasko. She is also survived by nine great nieces and nephews; and one great great nephew. Family & friends are invited to gather on Thursday, November 29 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 30 at 10:30am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 180 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro with Fr. Peter Madori officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Wurtsboro. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com .