Sylvia Ann Thurlow's Obituary
Sylvia Ann Haynes Thurlow, A beacon of warmth, kindness, and unconditional love, passed away peacefully on May 13th, 2026, at the age of 78, with her husband by her side. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and countless cherished memories.
Born on September 4th, 1947, in Hartland ME, to Russell H Haynes and Dorothy Kirby Haynes, she grew up in a loving home along with her brothers and sister. She grew to be a woman of incredible strength and grace.
She graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1965. She worked at local businesses from 1965 to 1969. On November 7th, 1970, she married the love of her life, Richard Thurlow who was active-duty Air Force and together they raised three daughters. After marrying Richard, they were stationed at Loring Air Force Base from 1970 to 1983 when he retired. They were stationed in Germany from 1975 to 1979, during that time she worked for the United States Army, as a civilian, earning Employee of the Year in 1977. Upon returning to LAFB, she continued her civil service career as a Purchasing Agent for the Non-Appropriated Funds Financial Branch. She was awarded SAC Employee of the Year, The United States Air Force Nationwide Employee of the year, and Corps Engineers Award for 1983. In 1985 she began working as a Budget Analyst for the LAFB hospital and earned Employee of the Year. In 1988 they moved to Lisbon Falls, where she worked for the Army Recruiting Battalion as a Budget Analyst for seven years. During that time, she earned employee of the year all seven years. She also earned 5 Army Certificates of Achievement Awards with one Superior Achievement Award. After 32 years of dedicating her time to the military as a civilian employee, she finally retired.
She was the loving heart of our family nurturing us with her quiet wisdom, immense patience and the best hugs in the world. Sylvia found joy in the simple things like walking down the road to visit her dearest friend Ruth Wakem and have coffee until 2:00 in the morning, spending time with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, or family penny poker nights. Especially traveling with her husband and going on as many cruises as she possibly could. More than anything she was the glue that held us together and her devotion to her family was unmatched. She taught us the value of kindness and laughter and that will remain in all of us forever. Her love was our light, and we will carry it with us always.
Sylvia is survived by her loving husband Richard of Largo FL, three daughters; Michelle and Claude Thornton of Palmyra, Stephanie Thurlow of Pittsfield, Jennifer Thurlow and significant other Chris Cameron of Litchfield. 12 grandchildren; Timothy, Mathew, Kevin, Travis, Courtney, Connor, Tristan, Matthew, Canaan, Jonathan, Tyr and Liam. 11 great grandchildren; Evan, Elliot, Alice, Wyatt, Jude, Maddie, Hope- Marie, Angel- May, Russell, Frederik and Richard. Sylvia is also survived by one brother Michael Haynes and wife Lauri, three sisters; Tammie Haynes Howland and husband Mark, Cheryl Haynes, Lillian Haynes Knowles and husband Gary. As well as her dearest best friends, Debbie Bickford Smith and Frances Stuart, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be forever missed by our canine sister Mandy.
Sylvia is predeceased by her parents, two brothers Nathan and Russell “Rusty” Haynes, and an infant daughter Dawn Thurlow.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. A graveside service will be announced at a later date.
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