Sylvia Ada Sigmond, 84

Sylvia Ada Sigmond passed away Feb. 22, 2016, after an extended illness. She was at home where she wanted to be in her last days, surrounded by her family, when she slipped away into the arms of the Lord. She is now at peace, free of any pain and in the company of family and friends, including her dogs that went before her. There is probably a card game about ready to start and a potluck supper.

She was known as “Smoke” by the members of her bowling team: Dee Teeter, Dee Barker, Jackie Whiteman, Jackie Kinzer, Carol Strouse, Jean Piller and Barbara Bennett. Sylvia was born Oct. 31, 1931, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Elizabeth and Alexander Loydall. She received her education in Edmonton where she met and married Barry Sigmond, a masonry contractor. After a few years they moved with their daughter, Beth to Glacier National Park where Barry worked on the rock wall along the Going to the Sun Highway. From there they moved to Jasper National Park and then later to Hayden Lake, Idaho, in 1954 where they started their business, Sigmond Masonry.

Sylvia was a stay-at-home Mom who loved spending time with her family and friends. Her home was open at anytime to any of her friends to stop in and visit. The coffee pot was always going and there was always cake or cookies waiting to be eaten. She made a lemon meringue pie for her neighbor, Bill Baack on all holidays and special occasions. For her daughter’s class, she was a chaperone at all the social functions. She was also a transportation mom for her son’s activities, a member of the PTA and helped with the food program at the grade school.

She enjoyed going out on Hayden Lake fishing and picnicking with friends. She was a member of the Hayden Lake Dari Delite bowling team who traveled every year to Lewiston, Idaho, for the invitational bowling tournament. She was a wonderful knitter and knitted sweaters, hats and socks for most family members and friends, as well as crocheted afghans for many of her family. She was an excellent seamstress and cook; chicken and dumplings was one of her signature dishes.

One of her best pleasures was working in her yard and flower beds, but what brought her the most pleasure and satisfaction was her vegetable garden. She was known by some of her neighbors as the “lady with the hoe.” She canned all the vegetables from her garden and made the best pickled beets and sweet pickles of anyone around. Sylvia enjoyed the gathering with friends on many Friday evenings when they ate and played cards: London Rummy, 5-Crowns or Pinochle. She was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church and a Christian with a great love for the Lord. She was a very gracious lady who never complained about anything and spoke nicely of everyone.

The Sigmonds divorced, the children were grown, so she moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to live with her sister, Hazel and be near her sister, Rose. Her son soon joined her in Toronto. She worked and retired from her job and returned to Coeur d’Alene where she lived with her son and daughter-in-law in their downstairs apartment until she passed away.

“Smoke” was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband Barry; sisters Hazel and Laura; and step-grandson Mark Sullivan. She is survived by her two children, Beth (Sigmond) Masterson and her husband Mel, and Mitch Sigmond and his wife, Jolene; grandchildren Lisa Masterson, Shane Masterson and Jessica (Sigmond) Peebles; step-grandchildren Amber Hise and Chrysa (Hise) Malone; great-grandchildren, Joe Brownson, Cody Austin, Terell Easton, Tristan Masterson, Taya Masterson, Camren Peebles and Sydney Peebles; and step-great-grandchild Charlotte Malone.

Sylvia was loved by everyone and she will truly be missed. At her request, there will not be a funeral service, but rather a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in her name to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or the Kootenai Humane Society, 11650 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID 83835.

Many thanks to Hospice for all of their wonderful help and support over the past few months and to her daughter-in-law, Jolene.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Sylvia’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.