Sylvia J. Wurst, 76, of Russell, PA, left this world unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2025, to move to her heavenly home.
She was born in Warren, PA, on August 1, 1948, the daughter of the late John and Kathryn Niedzialek. Sylvia was a graduate of Warren Area High School and received her Bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University. She taught 3rd Grade at both North Warren Elementary and Russell Elementary Schools. After years of teaching, Sylvia retired and worked a few years with Beacon Light, working one on one with challenged youth.
Sylvia had a strong passion for volunteer work, helping with the Warren General Hospital Auxiliary, donating her time crafting and helping in any way that she could. She also enjoyed gardening and painting. She was also very involved with music. She played the French horn with Jubilee Brass and was a member of the Warren Civic Orchestra, now known as the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, for a number of years. Her main passion was her family, especially her grandchildren who were the joy that brightened her every day.
Sylvia was very active in the First Church of the Nazarene, Warren, Pa, where she volunteered many hours, helping with many events, fundraisers, holiday events, and Bible Study. Even after retirement, Sylvia was always willing to lend a hand or teach a person how to do something. She never lost that special gift of ‘teaching’. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Surviving is her son, Marshall E. Wurst and his wife Elishia, of Starbrick; two granddaughters, Audrey and Avery Wurst of Starbrick; siblings, Leanne Schneider of Virginia, Nancy DeFabio of Florida, Lisa Niedzialek of Warren, Jon Niedzialek of Ebensburg, PA; and nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her son, Ryan C. Scott.
A Celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in the First Church of The Nazarene, 907 Pennsylvania Ave. E., Warren, Pa, with the Rev. J. Maier, pastor, officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 am in the church. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the First Church of the Nazarene, 907 Pennsylvania Ave. E. Warren, PA 16365 or Warren County Summer Music School, PO Box 635 Warren, PA 16365. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We were the first to rent from Sylvia and she always treated us with kindness and respect. She treated us like family. Hopefully we will be able to pay our respects in person. I pray that each of you find peace in knowing that she was an amazing lady, a kind friend and truly a wonderful person. As you continue through the days ahead, know that many others will miss her too. Think of all the children she made an impact on. All those who loved listening to her play music and to those of us who lived side by side with her. We never felt like an outsider but as a part of her life too.
I extend my sincere sympathy to Sylvia’s family. She was a favorite customer at our store, Randolph Retail in Randolph Ny.Sylvia was an amazing lady -witty, bright, articulate, passionate about so many things, a proud grandma, dedicated teacher and a snappy dresser with a signature style. She made a mark on this earth . I will miss her but so grateful I was blessed to know her. Rest in peace, Sylvia.
Beautiful lady..Loved her so much…She will be missed…We have that blessed hope of seeing her in heaven someday… She is with my Honey, Fred…Gone but not ever forgotten…
Was very active in her church and community.
I extend my sincere sympathy to Sylvia’s family. She was a favorite customer at our store, Randolph Retail in Randolph Ny.Sylvia was an amazing lady -witty, bright, articulate, passionate about so many things, a proud grandma, dedicated teacher and a snappy dresser with a signature style. She made a mark on this earth . I will miss her but so grateful I was blessed to know her. Rest in peace, Sylvia.
Sylvia has been my friend since we were 6 years old. We graduated from high school together and we both went on to be teachers in Warren. We never missed the chance to get together to just talk about family friends and “life”. I admired her incredible artistic and musical talent. I regret I can’t be there for the celebration of her life but I’ll be there in spirit. I will miss you my friend.
This wonderful person taught 2 of my children. I will forever be grateful for her. She was an inspiration and an encourager to both of them. I loved our visits in the driveway, and at the post office. Rest in peace Sylvia! You are so loved!
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