Sylvia Irish

Sylvia A. Madison Nielsen Irish, age 79, of Erie, passed away with her loving family by her side, on July 22, 2017, at Walnut Creek Healthcare Center. 

She was born in Corry, PA on November 11, 1937, a daughter of the late Clarence Madison and Josephine Graham, her birth parents, as well as her adoptive parents, Folmar Nielsen and Alvene Hansen Nielsen.

Sylvia was a 1955 graduate of Union City High School and was employed in manufacturing at Lord’s Manufacturing and Froehlich’s Grocery Store.

She and her husband, Clarence “Bill,” were charter members of the Church of the Cross, where she also served as a shepherd, and was involved with the Growth Group and Faith Circle.  She was also a member of Koinonia of Erie County.

In addition to her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Nielsen and Harold Madison; a sister, Garnet Pier and a grandson, Matthew Irish.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Clarence “Bill” Irish; a son, Robert W. Irish (Georgia) of Vero Beach, FL; a daughter, Melinda Miller (John) of McKean, PA; a sister, Mary Vanderhoff; two brothers, Clarence Madison, Jr. and Pete Stockton; four grandchildren, John Miller, Jr.  (Catie), Ryan (Donna) Irish, David (Emily) Miller, Beth (Sean) Cunningham; seven great-grandchildren and several surviving ½ brothers and sisters.  She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Sue and Kayla of Great Lakes Hospice, as well Misty, Amanda and Neverlee of Walnut Creek Healthcare, for their love and support of Sylvia and their family.

Friends are invited to call upon the family at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10^th St., on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. as well as Wednesday, July 26^th from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the Sunset Room at Church of the Cross, 5901 Millfair Road, Fairview, PA 16415, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Reverend Jim McCormack officiating. 

Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 W. 12^th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or the Church of the Cross, 5901 Millfair Road, Fairview, PA 16415.