On June 18th, 2024, after a lengthy battle with COPD, Sylvia May Young, 89, of Brownsville, Vermont passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Sylvia was born on December 24th, 1934 in Windsor, VT to Forrest E Lapine and Ethel Porter Lapine (Wilson), the oldest of 3 children.  She attended Windsor schools.  Her love of animals and interest in healing began at an early age often tending injured birds or chipmunks in an effort to nurse them back to health.  Encouraged by an aunt, Sylvia became a nurse's aide working at Mass General Hospital, Claremont General Hospital and Mount Ascutney Hospital, geriatric wing. Sylvia so loved her patients at Mt Ascutney, on August 11, 1979, she married William (Bill) A. Young, Sr. in the day room of the hospital with her patients in attendance.

After retiring from Mount Ascutney Hospital in 1980, Sylvia joined Bill in establishing and managing B & S Trucking Co.  She often travelled the country with Bill and their dog, Little Chief, one of the many pets they doted on over the years.  When not in the "big rig" she liked to ride with Bill on his Harley taking many trips with other biking friends.  She also enjoyed zipping around town in one of the several classic cars they owned over the years.

Sylvia loved gardening and spent hours digging in the dirt.  She often quipped, "I never met a flower I didn't like" and her yard overflowed with blooms of every size, shape and color.  She liked to cook, enjoyed crocheting and home DYI projects. Sylvia loved her family and friends and enjoyed holding court and giving garden tours during the many large gatherings held at their Brownsville home over the years.

Upon leaving the travelling life, Sylvia and Bill became foster parents in the Vermont Foster Care system.  Until her health began to fail, they provided a caring, stable home for many troubled pre-teen and teenage children, some of whom remain in touch today.  Sylvia never gave up the quest to learn and never shied away from debate.  An avid reader, Sylvia explored life and spirituality from all angles and held steadfastly to her convictions.  Her quick wit and quirky (and sometimes sarcastic) humor and sometimes crazy antics kept everyone entertained and wondering what was coming next.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Forrest Lapine and Ethel Porter Lapine (Wilson), her stepfather, Harold Wilson, her beloved son, Randall A Greenwood, two brothers, Andrew J Lapine and Bruce D Lapine, and three grandchildren; Roland P Paquette III, Debbie-Lee Hagar Brahm, and Traci-Lynn Paquette.

Sylvia is survived by her husband of 45 years, William A Young, Sr., a daughter, Charline A. Hagar and partner Greg Smith, a son, Arthur E Greenwood, two step daughters, Carol Young Vivian and husband, Charles, Sharon Young and husband Jim Hoffmaster and one step son, William (Billy) Young Jr.  Grand children include Christopher R Paquette and wife Kim, Jason Vivian, Justin Vivian and wife Angela and Great grandchildren, Christian E Paquette, Brittney D Paquette and two Great, great granddaughters, Avery C Bogdon and Addyson Vivian.

Please consider a donation to the Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf or Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in leu of flowers.

Calling hours will be 1 PM to 3 PM on Friday June 21 at Stringer's Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH with services following.  Private burial will be at a later date.