Barbara Ann Sylvestre

Barbara Ann Sylvestre (née Whittle), born in Pittsfield, Mass., on June 4, 1936, died at home in Hilton Head, S.C., on Oct. 29, 2012, following a 3 1/2-year illness.

Barbara attended primary school in Pittsfield and high school in Woonsocket, R.I. In 1952, at age 15, she met her future husband, Emile Sylvestre, at a YMCA dance. One week later, Barbara and Emile began dating and after five years they were married, on June 1, 1957, just three days before Barbara’s 21st birthday.

The couple moved to Montreal, Canada, where Emile attended medical school and Barbara worked in an automobile repair shop. Barbara gave birth to two sons, Marc and Kevin, while in Montreal. After Emile completed medical school, the family moved to Boston, Mass., where Emile had a residency at the Lahey Clinic. Peter, son No. 3, was born shortly after the family’s return to the U.S. and son No. 4, Matthew, three years later in Boston.

After Emile completed his residency, he and Barbara settled down on Long Island, N.Y., where Emile joined a new internal medicine practice close to their home. Barbara most enjoyed spending time with her husband and four boys, socializing with friends and taking care of the house.

After the boys graduated from college and moved away from home, Barbara joined Emile in the medical practice, helping manage the office and making patients feel like they were part of the family. Ten years later, in 1998, Barbara and Emile decided to retire, and after searching the southeast coast, they fell in love with Hilton Head. Both loved the warmer temperatures, friendly people, southern hospitality, beautiful beaches and golf.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Emile; four sons, Marc, Kevin, Peter and Matthew; “adopted son,” Philip; two daughters-in-law, Lizette and Maryanne; three grandchildren, Ryan, Jake and Sarah; one sister, Jane; and many loving, caring friends. She was an exceptionally friendly person and will be sorely missed.

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory, in Hilton Head, was in charge of arrangements.

This is a paid notice.